Prep Cook Salary in Rochester, MN
Prep Cooks in Rochester, MN, in 2026, earn approximately $17.00 per hour, which translates to about $680.00 per week, $2,946.67 per month, and $35,360.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Rochester is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the food preparation and service industry in this area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Rochester, MN?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Rochester varies with experience and employer size. Here's a breakdown by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $41,280.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Rochester Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since their responsibilities are centered on food preparation behind the scenes, rather than direct customer service. Their income predominantly comes from their wages or salaries.
Prep Cook Salary in Rochester, MN vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn about $17.26 per hour, which is approximately $35,900.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Rochester earn slightly less hourly at $17.00 per hour and just under the national yearly average at $35,360.00 annually.
This slight difference can be influenced by regional cost of living and job market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rochester for Prep Cooks
Nearby locations with higher pay rates for Prep Cooks include:
- Mayo Clinic Saint Mary's Domitilla: $24.00 per hour
- Mayo Clinic Methodist: $23.50 per hour
Working at these prominent medical facilities nearby tends to offer higher wages due to their large scale and specialized service demands.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Rochester?
Several factors have a considerable impact on a Prep Cook’s earnings in Rochester, including:
- Experience: As with many roles, more experienced Prep Cooks command higher wages.
- Skill level: Specialized culinary skills or proficiency in various cuisines can improve pay.
- Type of establishment: Prestigious restaurants or hospitals often pay more compared to small diners or fast-food outlets.
- Shift timings: Night or weekend shifts may come with additional pay differentials.
- Certifications: Having food safety and culinary certifications can positively influence salary.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Rochester
Here are steps to pursue a career as a Prep Cook in Rochester:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Institutions like Rochester Community and Technical College Culinary Arts Program and Minnesota State College Southeast Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training to acquire the necessary skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Completing certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is vital to demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards.
- Gain Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles to build practical experience.
- Earn Culinary Credentials: Certifications like Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Rochester
Some major employers frequently looking for Prep Cooks in Rochester include:
- Morrison Healthcare
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Kaskaid Hospitality
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Rochester Work At
Prep Cooks typically work in various types of food service establishments including:
- Casual and family dining restaurants: Usually provide reliable hours with moderate pay.
- Fast casual and quick-service venues: Often entry-level jobs with opportunity for advancement but generally lower pay.
- Hotels and catering services: These can offer better wages and chances for specialization.
- Hospitals and institutional kitchens: Tend to pay higher due to scale and regulatory requirements.
The type of establishment impacts salary range significantly, with higher-end and large-scale facilities generally offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rochester for Prep Cooks
If you're interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, consider these related careers:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Kitchen Porter, which involve preparing food, assisting chefs, and kitchen maintenance tasks.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Rochester
Prep Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations affecting their work and income.
- State labor guidelines can be found at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
- For federal tax matters, consult the Internal Revenue Service.
- Federal labor laws and worker protections are detailed by the U.S. Department of Labor.