Prep Cook Salary in St-George, UT
Prep Cooks in St-George, UT, in 2025, earn approximately $15.95 per hour, which translates to about $638.00 per week, $2,764.67 per month, and $33,176.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in St-George is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for food service support roles in the region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in St-George, UT?
The salary of a Prep Cook in St-George can vary depending on experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.41 | $496.40 | $2,147.33 | $25,168.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.71 | $628.40 | $2,703.93 | $32,716.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.89 | $795.60 | $3,431.20 | $41,371.20 |
Do Prep Cooks in St-George Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes, preparing ingredients and assisting chefs rather than serving customers directly.
Prep Cook Salary in St-George vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of about $15.53 per hour, which translates to an annual income of roughly $32,302.40.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in St-George earn slightly more, with an hourly rate of $15.95 and a yearly salary of $33,176.00. This slightly higher pay may reflect regional cost of living and demand conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St-George for Prep Cooks
Looking at nearby areas, the salary for Prep Cooks can vary slightly:
- Downtown: $16.50 per hour
- SunRiver: $17.00 per hour
Prep Cooks working in SunRiver may find slightly better pay compared to Downtown, though St-George remains competitive in employment opportunities.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in St-George?
Several key factors influence how much a Prep Cook can earn in St-George:
- Experience and Skill Level: Prep Cooks with more experience or specialized skills like butchering, knife proficiency, or knowledge of various cuisines tend to secure higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often offers better pay compared to fast-food or casual dining establishments.
- Certifications and Training: Holding food safety certifications, such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification or Utah Food Handler Permit, can improve job prospects and salary.
- Work Hours and Shift: Those who work night or weekend shifts might earn shift differentials.
- Local Market Demand: Economic conditions and competition for food service workers impact wages.
How To Become a Prep Cook in St-George
To pursue a career as a Prep Cook in St-George, consider the following steps:
- Complete Culinary Training: Enroll in programs like the Dixie Technical College Culinary Arts Program or the Southwest Technical College Culinary Arts Program in nearby Cedar City to gain foundational skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and the Utah Food Handler Permit are often required or highly recommended for employment.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level kitchen jobs or internships provide hands-on experience vital for skill development.
- Develop Knife and Basic Cooking Skills: Mastering fundamental culinary techniques will make you a valuable candidate.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in St-George
Several prominent employers regularly seek skilled Prep Cooks in St-George:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Chili's
Establishments That Prep Cooks in St-George Work At
Prep Cooks primarily find employment in a variety of culinary establishments, including:
- Fast Food Chains: Generally offer entry-level wages with potential for steady work.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: These tend to pay moderate wages and offer opportunities for skill development.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often pay higher wages and may include benefits as part of employment.
- Catering Companies: Can offer variable pay depending on contract size and frequency.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary, with upscale and specialized kitchens typically offering better earnings than fast food outlets.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St-George for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, you might consider other culinary career paths that share related duties and skills.
These roles include Commis Chef, Fry Cook, and Cook — all closely related in kitchen operations and food preparation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in St-George
Prep Cooks must be aware of relevant labor laws and tax regulations at both federal and state levels to protect their rights and ensure proper compliance.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Utah specific employment services and labor law information can be found on the State of Utah's official employment website.