Prep Cook Salary in San Antonio, TX
Prep Cooks in San Antonio, TX, 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 San Antonio is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting positive job prospects and expanding opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in San Antonio, TX?
The salary of a Prep Cook in San Antonio can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| 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 | $2,438.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in San Antonio Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since their role is focused on kitchen preparation work behind the scenes and typically does not involve direct customer service. Their earnings come primarily from their hourly wage or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in San Antonio vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to this, Prep Cooks in San Antonio earn slightly less at $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually, which may be influenced by local cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Antonio for Prep Cooks
Looking at neighborhoods nearby, Prep Cook salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Alamo Heights: $17.60 per hour
Salaries tend to be higher in Alamo Heights compared to Downtown, offering greater earning potential for Prep Cooks willing to commute.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in San Antonio?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Prep Cook in San Antonio:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with superior knife skills, knowledge of food safety, and efficiency tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels typically offer higher salaries compared to fast food or casual dining outlets.
- Location: Working in higher-paying neighborhoods or areas with greater demand can increase pay.
- Certifications and Training: Holding food safety certifications or culinary training can improve salary prospects.
- Shift Hours: Evening or weekend shifts might offer differential pay.
How To Become a Prep Cook in San Antonio
To start a career as a Prep Cook in San Antonio, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in culinary programs such as the St. Philip's College Culinary Arts Program, which provides hands-on training and theoretical knowledge beneficial for this role.
- Consider the San Antonio College Culinary Arts Program to build foundational cooking skills and food safety understanding.
- Obtain required certifications including the Texas Food Handler Certification, mandatory for food service workers.
- Pursue advanced certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification to demonstrate food safety proficiency particularly if aiming for supervisory roles.
- Gain practical experience by starting in entry-level kitchen positions to develop the necessary skills and speed.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in San Antonio
Some of the well-known employers currently hiring Prep Cooks in the city include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Prep Cooks in San Antonio Work At
Prep Cooks typically find employment in a variety of food service establishments:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Often have high-volume, consistent work with standardized procedures but tend to offer lower wages.
- Casual Dining: Offers more varied cooking tasks and slightly better pay than fast food.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments demand higher culinary skills and offer the highest wages.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: Provide opportunities for larger scale food preparation, sometimes with benefits and advancement options.
The type of establishment significantly impacts a Prep Cook’s salary, with fine dining and hotels generally paying the most.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Antonio for Prep Cooks
If you're considering careers related to Prep Cooking, here are a few similar roles that might interest you:
These positions include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Pastry Cook, which share related culinary skills and similar working environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in San Antonio
Prep Cooks should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax obligations to protect their rights and finances.
- Explore comprehensive federal labor regulations at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific employment laws and resources, visit the Texas Workforce Commission.
- Local regulations and employment information can be found on the City of San Antonio official site.