Prep Cook Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $18.28 per hour, which translates to about $731.20 per week, $3,168.53 per month, and $38,022.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the food service industry locally.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Prep Cook in St. Petersburg varies based on experience and employer; below are typical earnings at various levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.58 | $623.20 | $2,699.73 | $32,386.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.28 | $731.20 | $3,168.53 | $38,022.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.44 | $857.60 | $3,699.73 | $44,595.20 |
Do Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen preparation. Their compensation typically comes from their hourly wages or salary rather than tips.
Prep Cook Salary in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $17.45 per hour or approximately $36,296 per year.
In comparison, Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg earn slightly higher than the national average at $18.28 per hour and $38,022 per year, reflecting regional pay scales and demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas with higher pay for Prep Cooks include:
- Downtown St. Petersburg: $19.00 per hour
- Historic Old Northeast: $18.50 per hour
Those working in Downtown St. Petersburg enjoy the highest pay locally, with Historic Old Northeast offering competitive rates as well.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
The salary of a Prep Cook in St. Petersburg can be influenced by several key factors, including:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Prep Cooks or those with specialized culinary skills tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in fine dining or upscale restaurants often results in better salaries compared to casual or fast-food operations.
- Certifications: Possession of food safety certifications can make a candidate more attractive and increase earning potential.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with higher pay differentials.
- Regional Economic Conditions: Local demand and cost of living in St. Petersburg also play a role in salary levels.
How To Become a Prep Cook in St. Petersburg
If you want to start a career as a Prep Cook in St. Petersburg, consider these steps:
- Enroll in Local Culinary Programs: Programs like the Pinellas Technical College Culinary Arts Program and St. Petersburg College Hospitality and Tourism Management provide valuable training and education.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety practices and is often required, while the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential validates foundational culinary skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level kitchen roles and internships can provide hands-on skills that employers seek.
- Develop Basic Culinary Skills: Proficiency in food preparation, knife skills, and kitchen safety are essential.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg
Leading employers actively seeking Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg include:
- OLIVIA
- Naked Farmer
- The Hotel Zamora
Establishments That Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg Work At
Prep Cooks find employment across various types of food service establishments such as:
- Casual Restaurants: Smaller pay scale but consistent opportunities and steady hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: Fast-paced environments, often with standardized pay but potential for advancement.
- Fine Dining: Higher pay and opportunities to develop advanced culinary skills.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: May offer benefits and career growth but can require flexible scheduling.
The type of establishment influences salary with fine dining and hotel kitchens generally offering higher compensation than casual or fast-food venues.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Prep Cooks
If you are considering similar roles in the culinary and hospitality fields, some related jobs include:
These include Line Cook, Kitchen Porter, and Prep Cook positions, which share overlapping skills and may offer alternative career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in St. Petersburg
Prep Cooks should be aware of federal, state, and local laws affecting their employment and taxes. Useful resources include:
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Florida state-specific labor laws and resources, visit the State of Florida's official website.
- The City of St. Petersburg's official website provides additional local employment information.