Prep Cook Salary in Modesto, CA
Prep Cooks in Modesto, CA, 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 market for Prep Cooks in Modesto is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating increasing demand for culinary support roles across the region's food service establishments.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Modesto, CA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Modesto varies based on experience and skill, but the chart below provides an outline for different levels within the role.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.84 | $793.60 | $3,438.93 | $41,267.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.99 | $879.60 | $3,806.40 | $45,699.20 |
Do Prep Cooks in Modesto Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role focuses on food preparation behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their income relies mainly on their base wages.
Prep Cook Salary in Modesto vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.12 per hour, or approximately $33,529.60 per year.
When compared to this, Prep Cooks in Modesto enjoy a higher average hourly wage of $19.84 and an annual salary near $41,267.20. This premium likely reflects local demand and cost of living in Modesto.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Modesto for Prep Cooks
There are variations in pay for Prep Cooks within areas near Modesto, with some spots offering better compensation:
- Downtown Modesto: $20.50 per hour
- North Modesto: $21.00 per hour
Prep Cooks working closer to North Modesto command the highest wages in the vicinity, which could be due to differences in clientele and restaurant categories.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Modesto?
Several factors impact how much a Prep Cook can earn in Modesto:
- Experience: More experienced Prep Cooks generally receive higher wages due to increased efficiency and skill.
- Skills and Certifications: Knowledge of food safety and specialized culinary techniques can boost a Prep Cook’s value to employers.
- Type of Establishment: Premium restaurants or hotels often offer better pay compared to fast casual or small diners.
- Work Hours: Evening or weekend shifts might include additional pay incentives.
- Local Demand: Restaurants in busier districts, such as Downtown or North Modesto, may pay more to attract qualified Prep Cooks.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Modesto
Becoming a Prep Cook in Modesto involves several practical steps to enter and advance in this culinary support role.
Starting with culinary education can be a strong foundation. Programs such as Modesto Junior College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training that prepares students effectively for these positions.
Additionally, the Stanislaus County Office of Education Regional Occupational Program (ROP) provides hands-on training ideal for entry-level learners.
Key certifications include the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the mandatory California Food Handler Card, which ensure adherence to food safety standards.
Gaining experience via internships or working in entry-level kitchen jobs helps build essential skills that prepare one for cooking and food prep responsibilities.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Modesto
Prep Cooks in Modesto commonly find employment with reputable employers such as:
- E.&J. Gallo Winery
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Memorial Medical Center
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Modesto Work At
Prep Cooks in Modesto typically work across a variety of establishments:
- Casual Restaurants: These offer steady work but often with moderate salaries.
- Fast Casual Outlets: Usually employ Prep Cooks for high-volume food preparation, with varying wage scales.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Tend to offer higher wages due to larger scale kitchen operations.
- Supermarkets and Wineries: Such as Save Mart and E.&J. Gallo Winery, employ Prep Cooks for food prep and catering needs, sometimes with benefits.
The type of establishment affects compensation, with upscale venues paying more to attract skilled kitchen staff.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Modesto for Prep Cooks
Those interested in similar careers to Prep Cook might explore roles that build on culinary or kitchen experience.
The above includes Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Kitchen Porter positions, each representing adjacent roles within a professional kitchen environment with varying responsibilities and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Modesto
Modesto Prep Cooks should be familiar with key labor laws and tax obligations impacting their employment.
- Review California's detailed employment laws at the California Department of Industrial Relations website, covering wage rules and worker protections.
- The California Employment Development Department provides guidance on unemployment and employment services.
- Local job regulations and helpful resources can be accessed via the City of Modesto Official Website.