Prep Cook in Wilmington, DE
Prep Cooks in Wilmington, DE, in 2025, earn approximately $17.41 per hour, which translates to about $696.40 per week, $3,017.73 per month, and $36,212.80 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Wilmington is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and expanding opportunity in the food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Wilmington, DE?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Wilmington varies based on experience and other factors. Here's a breakdown by experience level to give you an idea of typical earnings in the area.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $35,360.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since their work primarily involves food preparation behind the scenes rather than direct customer service. Their income mostly comes from their hourly wage.
Prep Cook Salary in Wilmington, DE vs. National Average
Across the United States, the average salary for Prep Cooks is approximately $17.41 per hour, which corresponds to about $36,212.80 per year.
Comparing this to Wilmington, DE, Prep Cooks earn a similar wage, matching the national average closely. This reflects a competitive salary point for the role locally.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Prep Cooks
Nearby cities offer slightly different pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Christiana: $20.05 per hour
- Milford: $18.31 per hour
Prep Cooks willing to commute to Christiana might benefit from higher wages compared to Wilmington itself, while Milford offers a moderate premium over the city average.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Wilmington?
Several factors can influence a Prep Cook’s salary in Wilmington, including:
- Experience and Skill Proficiency: More Experienced Prep Cooks with efficient food preparation skills tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or facilities with high food quality standards can increase earnings.
- Working Hours: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might offer premium pay rates.
- Certifications and Education: Having certifications in food safety or culinary arts can enhance salary prospects.
- Local Market Demand: Growing demand for food service staff in Wilmington contributes to wage stability and growth.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Wilmington
To become a Prep Cook in Wilmington, consider these steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Training Programs: Institutions like Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program provide solid foundations in food prep skills.
- Pursue Hospitality Education: University of Delaware’s Hospitality Business Management program offers broad knowledge applicable to kitchen operations.
- Get Food Safety Certification: Programs such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are key for meeting industry health standards.
- Consider Culinary Certifications: Earning certificates from the American Culinary Federation can validate your skills and improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Wilmington
Some notable employers actively hiring Prep Cooks in Wilmington include:
- Eurest at DuPont Chestnut Run
- Restaurant Associates at Christiana Care
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Wilmington Work At
Prep Cooks typically work at a variety of food service establishments, such as:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These establishments often offer entry to mid-level wages and opportunities for growth.
- Hotels and Catering Venues: These places may provide higher wages and benefits due to larger-scale operations.
- Healthcare and Institutional Kitchens: Hospitals and similar facilities maintain steady demand and salary offers for Prep Cooks.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly affect wage levels, with high-end venues usually paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Prep Cooks
If you’re interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, consider these related positions, which often share comparable skills and career paths.
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Kitchen Porter roles, each offering related work environments and salary levels in the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Wilmington
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Prep Cooks working in Wilmington.
- Refer to the federal website for labor laws and employment information for nationwide regulations.
- For Delaware-specific labor laws, visit the State of Delaware Department of Labor website.