Prep Cook Salary in Lincoln, NE
Prep Cooks in Lincoln, NE, in 2025, earn approximately $17.17 per hour, which translates to about $686.80 per week, $2,976.13 per month, and $35,713.60 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Lincoln is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities for those interested in starting or advancing their careers in culinary preparation roles.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Lincoln, NE?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Lincoln, NE can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.17 | $686.80 | $2,976.13 | $35,713.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.30 | $812.00 | $3,513.33 | $42,224.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Lincoln Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since their role centers around kitchen preparation work behind the scenes, without direct customer interaction. Their compensation is mostly salary or hourly wage based.
Prep Cook Salary in Lincoln vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $17.17 per hour, which is the same as the average hourly pay for Prep Cooks in Lincoln, NE.
Similarly, the yearly salary nationally stands at about $35,713.60, aligning precisely with Lincoln’s average earnings. This suggests Lincoln’s market for Prep Cooks is competitive with the national standard.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lincoln for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly varied wages for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown Lincoln: $18.05 per hour
- Haymarket District: $17.74 per hour
Prep Cooks working in Downtown Lincoln earn a bit more compared to other nearby districts, reflecting perhaps higher demand or establishment scale.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Lincoln?
Several factors affect how much a Prep Cook can earn in Lincoln, NE:
- Experience and Skill Level: Greater culinary skills and years of kitchen experience often lead to higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or specialized food service providers usually pay more than casual or fast-casual dining spots.
- Certifications and Training: Holding relevant culinary certificates or food safety permits can improve salary prospects.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Some employers offer shift differentials for evening or weekend work which can increase total pay.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Lincoln
To start a career as a Prep Cook in Lincoln, consider the following steps:
- Complete Culinary or Hospitality Training: Programs like the Southeast Community College Culinary/Hospitality Program offer comprehensive training to prepare for food service roles.
- Food Science Education: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Science and Technology Program provides valuable education on food preparation and safety that benefits culinary careers.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Credentials such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and Nebraska Food Handler Permit are often required by Lincoln employers for compliance and safety.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships in restaurant kitchens can provide hands-on skills and increase employability.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Lincoln
Several prominent local employers currently seeking skilled Prep Cooks include:
- Toast: Comfort Kitchen & Bar
- The Mettle Grill
- McKinney's Irish Pub
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Lincoln Work At
Prep Cooks find employment across a range of food service establishments in Lincoln:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Generally offer moderate pay and opportunity for learning foundational skills.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically emphasize speed and efficiency, sometimes with slightly lower wages.
- Full-Service Restaurants: Often pay more and provide chances to work with diverse cuisines requiring careful preparation.
- Catering and Event Kitchens: These may present opportunities for varied experience and sometimes increased pay depending on event scale.
The type of establishment can significantly influence the salary, with upscale or specialty kitchens often offering the highest earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lincoln for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in other careers closely related to being a Prep Cook, consider these roles that require similar culinary skills and knowledge:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, which offer various levels of responsibility and potential salary.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Lincoln
Prep Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax responsibilities to ensure their rights and obligations are fully understood.
- For information on Nebraska state labor laws, visit the State of Nebraska Department of Labor website.
- For broader employment statistics and labor market information, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website is a valuable resource.