Prep Cook Salary in Franklin, TN
Prep Cooks in Franklin, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $17.90 per hour, which translates to about $716.00 per week, $3,102.67 per month, and $37,232.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Franklin is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for food service workers in the region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Franklin, TN?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Franklin varies depending on experience and employer, here is a general look at earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.90 | $716.00 | $3,101.33 | $37,232.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.12 | $884.80 | $3,833.87 | $46,009.60 |
Do Prep Cooks in Franklin Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips, as they primarily work behind the scenes preparing ingredients and assisting chefs rather than interacting directly with customers. Their earnings come mainly from their base salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Franklin vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.80 per hour, translating to about $34,944 per year.
When compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Franklin earn slightly more, at about $17.90 per hour and $37,232 annually.
This may be due to local economic factors and the demand for culinary workers in the Franklin area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Franklin for Prep Cooks
Looking at nearby areas, salaries for Prep Cooks vary as follows:
- Downtown Franklin: $20.00 per hour
- Cool Springs: $22.00 per hour
These nearby areas offer higher pay than the general Franklin rate, reflecting differences in establishment types and local cost of living.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Franklin?
Several important factors affect how much a Prep Cook can earn in Franklin:
- Experience Level: More seasoned Prep Cooks typically earn higher wages due to their skill and speed.
- Skills and Training: Knowledge of food safety, knife skills, and efficient prepping techniques enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often commands higher pay than fast-food or casual dining settings.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts sometimes offer premium pay.
- Local Economic Factors: Regional demand for culinary personnel and cost of living play a role in salary differences.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Franklin
Launching a career as a Prep Cook in Franklin involves several key steps.
- Complete Culinary Arts Programs: Enrolling in the Culinary Arts Program at Nashville State Community College or the Professional Cooking Program at The Art Institute of Tennessee provides foundational culinary skills and kitchen management knowledge.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Earning credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures understanding of essential food safety and sanitation standards.
- Achieve Professional Recognition: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can highlight your competency and increase job prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting as a kitchen assistant or line cook provides valuable on-the-job learning opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Franklin
Several established dining venues in Franklin are actively hiring Prep Cooks:
- Connors Steak & Seafood
- Flower Child
- The Cheesecake Factory
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Franklin Work At
Prep Cooks in Franklin typically find employment in various food service establishments including:
- Casual Restaurants: Offer steady work with moderate pay; good entry point for culinary careers.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often provide structured training but usually offer lower salaries compared to upscale venues.
- Fine Dining Restaurants and Hotels: Tend to pay more, reflecting higher skill expectations and experience requirements.
- Catering Companies: Vary widely in pay depending on clientele and event size.
Choice of establishment significantly impacts salary and advancement opportunities for Prep Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Franklin for Prep Cooks
If you are exploring roles similar to Prep Cook, consider these related positions which share skills and responsibilities:
These roles include Cook, Fry Cook, and Pastry Cook, each with distinct culinary focuses and earning potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Franklin
Prep Cooks should stay informed about relevant labor laws and taxation guidelines that apply in Tennessee:
- Visit the Official website of the State of Tennessee for detailed information on state labor regulations, minimum wage, and workers’ rights.
- For federal employment standards and wage laws, see the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.