Prep Cook Salary in Philadelphia, PA
Prep Cooks in Philadelphia, PA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.17 per hour, which translates to about $646.80 per week, $2,802.80 per month, and $33,633.60 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Philadelphia is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding hospitality and food service market in the region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Philadelphia, PA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Philadelphia varies depending on experience and the employer. Below is the general pay range for different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.84 | $513.60 | $2,219.20 | $26,630.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.17 | $646.80 | $2,802.80 | $33,633.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.36 | $814.40 | $3,518.93 | $42,348.80 |
Do Prep Cooks in Philadelphia Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in food preparation. Their compensation mainly comes from their hourly wages or salary, rather than tips from customers.
Prep Cook Salary in Philadelphia vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.17 per hour, which is approximately $33,633.60 per year.
Philadelphia's Prep Cook salaries closely align with the national average, reflecting comparable market and living cost factors for this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Philadelphia for Prep Cooks
Prep Cooks can expect varying salaries depending on the neighborhood within Philadelphia:
- Center City: $18.50 per hour
- University City: $17.60 per hour
Center City offers the highest salaries, likely due to its concentration of upscale restaurants and hospitality venues.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Philadelphia?
Several factors can influence how much a Prep Cook earns in Philadelphia:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with advanced kitchen skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels usually offers better compensation than fast-food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may come with premium pay.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications can help increase earning potential.
- Local Demand: Higher demand for food service workers can drive salaries up.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Philadelphia
Starting a career as a Prep Cook in Philadelphia involves several steps to improve your skills and marketability:
- Complete Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Community College of Philadelphia offer solid training in kitchen techniques, food safety, and kitchen management.
- Consider Hospitality Education: The Hospitality Management Program at Drexel University provides a broad background including culinary management and practical co-op opportunities.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: National certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the Philadelphia Food Safety Certification are valuable credentials for any Prep Cook.
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Entry-level kitchen roles or internships provide practical knowledge crucial to advancement in this field.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Philadelphia
Several well-known employers in Philadelphia frequently hire Prep Cooks, including:
- Chili's Grill & Bar
- Visit Philadelphia
- Local independent restaurants
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Philadelphia Work At
Prep Cooks typically find employment across a variety of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide steady work but may offer moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Chains: These can provide higher volume work with competitive wages.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: These establishments often pay better and may offer benefits.
- Independent Local Restaurants: Salary varies widely; some offer opportunities for advancement and skill development.
The type of establishment and its size or reputation often influence the salary and benefits a Prep Cook receives.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Philadelphia for Prep Cooks
Those interested in careers related to Prep Cooking might consider the following similar roles, which involve related kitchen and food service duties:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Cook positions, which have overlapping responsibilities and can offer advancement opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Philadelphia
Prep Cooks should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax requirements specific to Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
- For state labor laws and regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
- City-specific regulations and resources can be found at the City of Philadelphia official website.
- Federal labor laws and additional information are available at the U.S. Department of Labor.