Prep Cook Salary in Salt Lake City, UT
Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City, UT, in 2025, earn approximately $15.99 per hour, which translates to about $639.60 per week, $2,771.60 per month, and $33,259.20 per year.
The job outlook for Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City is promising, with employment growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting healthy demand in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Salt Lake City, UT?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Salt Lake City varies by experience level and skills. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings based on experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.46 | $498.40 | $2,161.87 | $25,942.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.99 | $639.60 | $2,771.60 | $33,259.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.52 | $820.80 | $3,533.60 | $42,681.60 |
Do Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is behind the scenes, focused on food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their income primarily consists of hourly wages or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Salt Lake City vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Prep Cooks is approximately $15.99 per hour, translating to about $33,259.20 per year.
Salt Lake City's average aligns closely with the national figures, providing competitive pay that reflects local living costs and industry standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Salt Lake City for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas sometimes offer higher pay for Prep Cooks. For example:
- Snowbird: $19.50 per hour
- Park City: $17.29 per hour
Prep Cooks aiming for higher earnings might consider opportunities in these surrounding locations which tend to pay more due to tourism and upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Salt Lake City?
Several key factors influence how much a Prep Cook can earn in Salt Lake City:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Prep Cooks with strong knife skills and multitasking ability tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Prep Cooks working in upscale restaurants or hotels generally make more versus those in casual dining or fast food.
- Shift Hours: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays can sometimes include shift differentials, increasing overall pay.
- Certifications: Food safety and handling certifications can improve job prospects and pay potential.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Salt Lake City's growing food industry supports steady wages aligned with the area's cost of living.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Salt Lake City
Aspiring Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City can take several steps to enter the field successfully:
- Enroll in Culinary Training Programs: Institutions such as Salt Lake Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive culinary skills training, preparing students for roles like Prep Cook.
- Consider Intensive Hands-On Courses: Park City Culinary Institute provides focused, practical training with industry connections, ideal for beginners.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the Utah Food Handler Permit are essential for complying with health regulations.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start working in kitchens as kitchen helpers or apprentices to build skills and connections.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City
Several notable employers frequently hire Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City:
- Avant Delivery
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Bon Appétit
- Harmons
- Hilton Salt Lake City Center
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City Work At
Prep Cooks work in a variety of foodservice establishments, including:
- Casual Restaurants: Often provide steady schedules but moderate pay.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: High volume kitchens where pay tends to be on the lower end but with opportunities for advancement.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Usually offer higher wages and benefits to skilled Prep Cooks.
- Fine Dining and Specialty Restaurants: Generally pay more due to higher skill requirements and complex menus.
The type of establishment substantially impacts wage levels and career progression opportunities for Prep Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Salt Lake City for Prep Cooks
If you're exploring jobs related to Prep Cook, consider these similar roles that might interest you:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Pastry Cook positions—all related culinary roles with varying responsibilities and pay scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Salt Lake City
Prep Cooks should be aware of federal and state labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and proper employment conditions.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for nationwide employment standards and protections.
- For Utah-specific labor laws, explore the State of Utah's Department of Workforce Services website.
- Information on local regulations and resources can be found at the Official website for Salt Lake City government services.