Prep Cook Salary in Green Bay, WI
Prep Cooks in Green Bay, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $16.05 per hour, which translates to about $642.00 per week, $2,782.00 per month, and $33,384.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Green Bay is growing steadily at about 5% per year, showing a positive outlook for job opportunities in the culinary and food service industry locally.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Green Bay, WI?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Green Bay varies with experience and employer type. Here's a breakdown across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.51 | $540.40 | $2,341.73 | $28,100.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.05 | $642.00 | $2,782.00 | $33,384.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.06 | $762.40 | $3,303.47 | $39,644.80 |
Do Prep Cooks in Green Bay Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks typically do not earn tips, as their role is primarily behind the scenes preparing ingredients and supporting kitchen operations. Their income is generally based on their hourly wage alone.
Prep Cook Salary in Green Bay vs. National Average
On a national scale, Prep Cooks earn around $16.05 per hour and approximately $33,384 per year.
Green Bay matches the national average, providing solid earning potential comparable to other parts of the country, with some variation depending on specific employers and local conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Green Bay for Prep Cooks
Nearby locations with higher wages for Prep Cooks include:
- De Pere: $17.53 per hour
- Eau Claire: $17.88 per hour
Those willing to commute or relocate slightly outside Green Bay might find better pay opportunities in these nearby cities.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Green Bay?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Prep Cook in Green Bay:
- Experience and Skills: Those with more kitchen experience and strong knife skills or knowledge of food safety procedures tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Prep Cooks employed in upscale or fine dining restaurants often receive higher wages compared to fast food or casual dining establishments.
- Certifications: Holding certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or Certified Culinarian can improve salary prospects.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might carry shift differentials increasing the hourly rate.
- Local Market Demand: Higher demand for culinary workers in certain sectors of Green Bay can raise wages.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Green Bay
Starting a career as a Prep Cook in Green Bay usually requires some foundational steps.
- Obtain Culinary Training: Enroll in programs like the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Culinary Specialist Program or Fox Valley Technical College Culinary Arts Program for comprehensive skills.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often necessary to comply with health standards.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships help in acquiring hands-on kitchen experience.
- Pursue Culinary Credentials: Earning the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can help demonstrate competence.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Green Bay
Some prominent employers currently looking to hire Prep Cooks in the Green Bay area include:
- FreshKIND Kitchen
- Chili's
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Green Bay Work At
Prep Cooks find employment in various types of food service establishments, each affecting salary differently.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often have steady demand but might offer moderate wages.
- Casual Dining: Typically provide more structured shifts with wage scales varying by brand and location.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants may pay better due to skill requirements and kitchen complexity.
- Catering and Institutional Kitchens: Can provide competitive pay depending on scale and clientele.
The type and prestige of the establishment often determine the wage levels, with fine dining usually offering the highest.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Green Bay for Prep Cooks
If you're considering roles related to being a Prep Cook, these similar careers might interest you:
These include the Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Cook roles, which offer closely related culinary work environments and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Green Bay
Prep Cooks should be familiar with both federal and state labor laws to understand their rights and responsibilities.
- For federal labor laws and standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- State-specific labor information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- Local government resources for Green Bay can be found on the official Green Bay city website.