Prep Cook in Gloucester-City, NJ
Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $17.83 per hour, which translates to about $713.20 per week, $3,090.53 per month, and $37,086.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in job opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Gloucester-City, NJ?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Gloucester-City can vary based on experience and employer, but the following breakdown offers a general overview of earnings across various experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.17 | $606.80 | $2,628.27 | $31,539.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.83 | $713.20 | $3,090.53 | $37,086.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.96 | $838.40 | $3,621.87 | $43,556.80 |
Do Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes, focusing on food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation typically comes from their base pay only.
Prep Cook Salary in Gloucester-City vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.83 per hour, which amounts to approximately $35,006.40 per year.
Compared to this, Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City earn somewhat higher average wages of $17.83 per hour and $37,086.40 annually, likely due to local demand and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Gloucester-City for Prep Cooks
Nearby locations also offer competitive wages for Prep Cooks:
- Beach Haven: $19.65 per hour
- Newark: $18.23 per hour
Beach Haven stands out for offering superior pay, potentially attracting those willing to commute for higher earnings.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Gloucester-City?
Experience plays a critical role; Prep Cooks with more years in the kitchen or greater proficiency generally command higher wages.
Skills such as knife skills, knowledge of food safety, and efficient preparation techniques can boost pay prospects.
The type of establishment also matters; working in upscale restaurants or catering companies typically offers better pay than fast food or casual dining outlets.
Additional factors include shift timings, with night or weekend shifts sometimes coming with premium pay, and local economic conditions influencing prevailing wage levels.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Gloucester-City
Entering the field as a Prep Cook can be streamlined by following structured steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs such as those offered by Camden County College Culinary Arts Program or Rowan College at Burlington County Culinary Arts Program to develop foundational cooking skills and kitchen knowledge.
- Obtain essential certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to demonstrate understanding of food safety regulations.
- Consider additional credentials such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation to improve employability and skill credentials.
- Seek internships or entry-level positions to gain practical kitchen experience and build professional networks.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City
Some of the notable employers in Gloucester-City that actively hire Prep Cooks include:
- Applebee's
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City Work At
Prep Cooks typically find job opportunities across various types of food service establishments including casual dining, fast casual, and family-style restaurants.
Employment at fast casual or chain restaurants may offer steady hours but usually with lower pay, whereas upscale or specialty restaurants might provide higher wages and more chances for advancement.
Working in larger catering companies or institutional kitchens may come with more structured pay scales and benefits.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Gloucester-City for Prep Cooks
If you’re considering roles related to Prep Cook positions, here are a few similar career options:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Baker roles, involving related culinary tasks with overlapping skill sets and earning ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Gloucester-City
Prep Cooks should understand both state and federal labor laws to ensure fair work conditions and compliance.
- Information on New Jersey labor regulations and worker rights can be found on the Official website of the State of New Jersey.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's website provides extensive resources on federal employment laws, wage standards, and workplace protections.