Prep Cook Salary in New Orleans, LA
Prep Cooks in New Orleans, LA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in New Orleans is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in opportunities for those interested in culinary preparation roles within the city’s vibrant food industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in New Orleans, LA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in New Orleans varies based on experience and skill level. Here is an overview across different experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,435.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $33,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in New Orleans Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips because their work is typically behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than customer-facing. Their earnings rely mostly on hourly wages or salaries.
Prep Cook Salary in New Orleans vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which equates to approximately $30,160 annually.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in New Orleans earn slightly less at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually. This difference may reflect local cost of living and regional economic factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near New Orleans for Prep Cooks
Nearby neighborhoods offer higher wages for Prep Cooks:
- French Quarter: $15.50 per hour
- Garden District: $17.60 per hour
Prep Cooks working in the Garden District might command the highest pay in the area, while those in the French Quarter also benefit from competitive wages aligned with the hospitality demand.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in New Orleans?
Several factors affect the earnings of a Prep Cook in New Orleans:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More seasoned Prep Cooks with a strong understanding of kitchen operations and food safety often receive better pay.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and catering companies tend to offer higher salaries than casual or fast-food venues.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required and can enhance salary potential.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays may come with shift differentials or overtime pay.
- Local Demand: New Orleans' thriving food scene supports a stable and sometimes growing demand for competent Prep Cooks.
How To Become a Prep Cook in New Orleans
Starting a career as a Prep Cook entails preparing through education, certification, and on-the-job experience:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: The Culinary Arts Program at Delgado Community College offers comprehensive training suitable for aspiring Prep Cooks.
- Specialized Training: The Culinary Institute of New Orleans provides focused courses on practical culinary skills necessary for this role.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often mandatory for Prep Cooks.
- Meet State Requirements: For some roles, Louisiana Responsible Vendor Training may be required if alcohol service is involved.
- Gain Practical Experience: Apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen jobs help acquire essential hands-on skills.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in New Orleans
Several notable companies frequently seek Prep Cooks in New Orleans:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Prep Cooks in New Orleans Work At
Prep Cooks find employment across various foodservice establishments including:
- Fast Food and Quick Service: These establishments often have high operational volume with entry-level pay scales.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Pay tends to be moderate, with opportunities for growth as skills improve.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: Typically offer higher wages and may provide benefits and career advancement.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Expect higher pay reflecting the skill level and presentation standards required.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary, workplace environment, and job responsibilities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in New Orleans for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, here are three related hospitality jobs in New Orleans:
These include Line Cook, Pastry Cook, and Cook positions, which require related culinary skills and offer varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in New Orleans
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is essential for Prep Cooks:
- On the Federal website for labor laws and regulations, you can find comprehensive information about employment standards.
- The Louisiana state website provides specifics on state labor laws, wages, and workplace safety.
- The City of New Orleans official website is a resource for local employment regulations and community services.