Prep Cook Salary in Macon, GA
Prep Cooks in Macon, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.62 per hour, which translates to about $544.80 per week, $2,360.80 per month, and $28,329.60 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Macon is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the food service industry in this region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Macon, GA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Macon varies depending on experience and the type of employer. Here is an overview of typical pay rates based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.74 | $429.60 | $1,857.92 | $22,339.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.62 | $544.80 | $2,360.80 | $28,329.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.27 | $690.80 | $2,983.73 | $35,921.60 |
Do Prep Cooks in Macon, GA Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks typically do not earn tips as their duties are mostly behind the scenes, preparing ingredients and supporting kitchen operations. Their income mostly comes from their salary or hourly wages.
Prep Cook Salary in Macon, GA vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour and $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Macon earn slightly less, at approximately $13.62 per hour and $28,329.60 annually. This difference is often influenced by local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Macon for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer different pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown Macon: $15.50 per hour
- North Macon: $17.60 per hour
Those willing to commute to North Macon stand to earn significantly higher wages compared to other nearby areas.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Macon, GA?
Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks who have refined their culinary skills tend to earn higher wages.
Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or large catering companies usually leads to better pay than in fast-food or casual dining venues.
Certifications: Holding food safety certifications or culinary training can increase salary potential.
Work Schedule: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might offer differential pay that boosts overall earnings.
Local Market Demand: Higher demand for kitchen staff during peak times can influence wage rates in Macon and surrounding areas.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Macon, GA
Becoming a Prep Cook in Macon involves several important steps to build relevant skills and qualifications.
- Complete Culinary Training Programs: Helms College Culinary Arts Program in Macon offers hands-on training in cooking, kitchen management, and customer service, providing a strong foundation.
- Participate in Community Cooking Classes: Saturday Chef – Community Cooking Classes at Helms College provide practical, fun opportunities to hone culinary skills.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are essential to demonstrate knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Gain Entry-Level Culinary Certifications: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation helps to establish professional culinary competence for new entrants.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Macon, GA
Some of the well-known employers frequently seeking Prep Cooks in Macon include:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Taco Mac
- Chili's
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Macon, GA Work At
Prep Cooks typically work in a variety of food service establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work and moderate pay, with potential for advancement.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often have a faster pace but generally offer entry-level pay.
- Fine Dining: Usually offer higher wages and require more refined skills.
- Catering Companies: May provide opportunities for varied experiences and sometimes higher pay.
The type of establishment greatly influences pay rates and job responsibilities for Prep Cooks in Macon.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Macon, GA for Prep Cooks
For those exploring similar career paths, several related roles might be of interest, offering different challenges and salary levels.
These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, and Pastry Cook, which involve culinary preparation but with varying responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Macon, GA
Prep Cooks should be aware of labor laws and tax regulations applicable to their work in Macon.
- Review Georgia state labor laws and employment resources on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- For federal labor regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website to understand wage standards, overtime rules, and worker rights.