Prep Cook Salary in Savannah, GA
Prep Cooks in Savannah, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $14.78 per hour, which translates to about $591.20 per week, $2,561.87 per month, and $30,742.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Savannah is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating an increasing need for kitchen support staff across the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Savannah, GA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Savannah varies by experience level and the type of employer. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at different stages of the career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.73 | $469.20 | $2,029.60 | $24,350.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.78 | $591.20 | $2,561.87 | $30,742.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.62 | $744.80 | $3,217.73 | $38,739.20 |
Do Prep Cooks in Savannah Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes in food preparation, separate from customer interaction. Their earnings mainly come from their wage or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Savannah vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn about $16.10 per hour, which amounts to roughly $33,488 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Savannah earn slightly less, with an average of $14.78 per hour and $30,742.40 per year.
This difference can be attributed to the local cost of living and regional demand for kitchen staff in Savannah.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Savannah for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas where Prep Cooks can find higher wages include:
- Pooler: $16.14 per hour
- Atlanta: $16.11 per hour
Pooler and Atlanta offer better hourly rates than Savannah, which might be attractive to workers willing to commute or relocate.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Savannah?
Several factors can impact the salary of a Prep Cook in Savannah:
- Experience and Skill Level: Cook with more experience and stronger culinary skills typically command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels generally pay more than fast food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications: Holding food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, can enhance salary potential.
- Work Shift: Nights or weekends may offer shift differentials that increase wages.
- Local Market Demand: Higher demand for kitchen staff in a growing food scene can boost wages.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Savannah
Starting a career as a Prep Cook in Savannah involves several key steps:
- Gain Culinary Training: Programs like those at the Culinary Institute of Savannah and Savannah Technical College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive education on kitchen skills and management.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are essential to demonstrate knowledge of proper food handling.
- Consider Professional Certifications: Entry-level credentials like the Certified Culinarian (CC) from the American Culinary Federation can boost job prospects.
- Acquire Hands-On Experience: Working as a kitchen assistant or intern builds practical skills valued by employers.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Savannah
Several notable establishments in Savannah regularly hire Prep Cooks, including:
- Chili's
- Chick-fil-A
- The 5 Spot Midtown
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Savannah Work At
Prep Cooks find employment across various types of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining: Often provides steady hours with moderate pay and opportunities for advancement.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically offer faster-paced environments, sometimes with slightly lower wages but tips in some settings.
- Hotels and Resorts: These locations may offer higher salaries and benefits due to larger operations.
- Catering Services: Pay can vary based on event size and company prestige.
The establishment type can significantly influence salary potential, benefits, and work environment for Prep Cooks in Savannah.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Savannah for Prep Cooks
If you’re interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, you might consider these related jobs:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Pastry Cook positions, all of which require culinary skills and can offer different career paths within the kitchen.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Savannah
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is important for Prep Cooks to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Information on employment standards and labor rights in Georgia can be found on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- Federal labor laws and regulations are detailed at the U.S. Department of Labor site.
- Local resources and government information for Savannah are available at the City of Savannah official website.