Prep Cook Salary in Kent, WA
Prep Cooks in Kent, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.84 per hour, which translates to about $793.60 per week, $3,438.93 per month, and $41,267.20 per year.
The job demand for Prep Cooks in Kent is looking up with a positive growth rate of about 5% per year, indicating expanding opportunities in the local foodservice industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Kent, WA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Kent depends on their level of experience and employment setting. Here's an overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.66 | $666.40 | $2,876.53 | $34,572.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.84 | $793.60 | $3,438.93 | $41,267.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.36 | $934.40 | $4,014.93 | $48,556.80 |
Do Prep Cooks in Kent Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is focused on food preparation behind the scenes rather than direct customer service. Their compensation is mostly based on wages or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Kent vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.66 per hour, which translates to about $34,652.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Kent earn more, with an average hourly wage of $19.84 and a yearly salary of $41,267.20. This higher pay reflects local market demands and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kent for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas where Prep Cooks tend to earn higher wages include:
- East Hill: $20.50 per hour
- West Hill: $21.00 per hour
These nearby locations offer slightly higher pay than Kent itself, providing opportunities for those willing to commute.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Kent?
Several factors affect the salary of a Prep Cook in Kent:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Prep Cooks with specialized culinary skills can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels typically pays better than fast-food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications: Certifications in food safety or culinary skills can increase earning potential.
- Shift Hours: Working nights, weekends, or holidays might include shift differentials or bonuses.
- Local Economic Factors: The cost of living and demand in Kent affect wage levels.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Kent
Becoming a Prep Cook in Kent involves several steps to build the right skills and credentials:
- Culinary Skills Apprenticeship: A 10-week, 160-hour part-time program offered by Project Feast in Kent that provides both classroom and kitchen training, preparing apprentices for culinary careers.
- Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science: Offered by Lake Washington Institute of Technology, this program equips students with cooking principles and food handling knowledge for commercial kitchens.
- Washington Food Worker Card: A mandatory state certification ensuring safe food handling practices.
- American Culinary Federation Fundamental Cook (CFC): A certification demonstrating core culinary skills, attainable through accredited programs like Kent Career Technical Center.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Kent
Some of the leading employers hiring Prep Cooks in Kent include:
- IHOP
- Dough Zone USA
- Pizza Hut
- Cascade Living Group
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Kent Work At
Prep Cooks in Kent commonly work in various types of foodservice establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often have steady shifts and moderate pay but provide valuable experience.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service Restaurants: These venues offer faster-paced work environments, with salaries that may be lower but often include opportunities for advancement.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Working here can offer better pay and potential benefits due to the volume and diversity of food preparation.
- Institutional Kitchens: Facilities like schools or hospitals where volume cooking is required, sometimes paying differently depending on the employer's budget.
The type of establishment greatly influences the salary and advancement chances for Prep Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kent for Prep Cooks
If you’re interested in related roles within hospitality and culinary fields, consider the following positions:
These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, and Pastry Cook roles, which share similar skills and may offer different salary ranges and career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Kent
Prep Cooks should be informed about federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for federal labor laws and regulations.
- Consult the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for state-specific workplace safety and labor rights resources.
- Check the City of Kent official website for local employment resources and regulations.