Prep Cook Salary in Springfield, MA
Prep Cooks in Springfield, MA, in 2025, earn approximately $15.00 per hour, which translates to about $600.00 per week, $2,600.00 per month, and $31,200.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Springfield is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the food service industry in this area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Springfield, MA?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Springfield can vary by experience and employer, but here’s a breakdown across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,253.33 | $27,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,943.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Springfield Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips because their work is mostly done behind the scenes during food preparation, without direct customer interaction. Their income mainly comes from their hourly wage.
Prep Cook Salary in Springfield vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn around $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $34,320 annually.
Comparatively, Prep Cooks in Springfield earn slightly below the national hourly average at $15.00 per hour and $31,200 yearly. This difference may reflect the local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Springfield for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer somewhat varied pay for Prep Cooks:
- Forest Park: $16.00 per hour
- East Forest Park: $15.50 per hour
Those considering employment in Forest Park might find better wages compared to East Forest Park or Springfield itself.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Springfield?
Several factors can influence a Prep Cook’s pay in Springfield:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Prep Cooks with knowledge of specialized food preparation techniques generally earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels typically commands higher wages than fast casual or small eateries.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may include shift differential pay.
- Certifications: Holding food safety certifications can make a candidate more valuable and increase earning potential.
- Local Demand: High demand for kitchen help in the area can raise wages.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Springfield
To pursue a career as a Prep Cook in Springfield, consider the following steps:
- Complete relevant training programs: Holyoke Community College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training with hands-on experience helpful for prepping roles.
- Gain management education: Springfield Technical Community College Hospitality Management Program provides useful knowledge of food service operations.
- Obtain essential certifications: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures understanding of food safety practices, commonly required in restaurants.
- Complete mandated trainings: Massachusetts Allergen Awareness Training is important for safe handling of allergen-containing foods.
- Start with entry-level jobs: Experience in kitchen roles builds foundation to advance as a Prep Cook.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Springfield
Leading employers looking for Prep Cooks in Springfield include:
- Olive Garden
- Theodores
- Mason Wright Senior Living
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Springfield Work At
Prep Cooks typically find employment in a variety of food service settings such as:
- Casual Restaurants: Often have steady hours with moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Establishments: May offer a fast-paced environment with consistent income.
- Senior Living Facilities: Like Mason Wright Senior Living, which may provide stable hours and benefits.
- Chain Restaurants: Such as Olive Garden, usually have set pay scales and opportunities for advancement.
The type of establishment influences pay; upscale and managed facilities often offer the highest salaries.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Springfield for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in similar careers related to Prep Cook, consider exploring the following:
These positions include Cook, Fry Cook, and Commis Chef, which provide related roles within kitchen operations and can have varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Springfield
Prep Cooks should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Information on state labor laws and regulations can be found on the Massachusetts government website.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's official site provides resources on federal workplace standards: dol.gov.