Our list of Prep Cook jobs in the U.S. includes job ads that offer higher salaries than the national average, along with flexibility and benefits that will help you stay motivated to pursue your passion for the culinary arts.

Prep Cook Employment in the US

The demand for Cooks, including Prep Cooks, is increasing in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in Cook jobs from 2022 to 2032. This is equivalent to an average of 17,520 job openings each year.

Prep Cook Average Salary in the US

Prep Cooks earn an average of $32,427 per year or $16 per hour.

Graphic displaying average annual salary of Prep Cooks

Requirements To Work as a Prep Cook in the US

Here are the most common requirements of Prep Cook employers in the U.S.:

Must be at least 16 years old: Legal age varies per state. In some states people as young as 14 can work part-time, but generally-speaking, 16 is the minimum working age without restrictions for non-hazardous jobs as per the U.S. Department of Labor.
Ability to provide legal documentation to work in the U.S.: As part of the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, new employees are required to submit proof that they're authorized to work in the country. This includes an unexpired foreign passport with an I-551 stamp, a permanent resident card or an unexpired employment authorization card.
High school diploma: Some employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED as the minimum educational background.
ServSafe certification: ServSafe certification proves that you're knowledgeable in food safety practices.

How We Chose Our Prep Cook Jobs

We chose the jobs according to the following:

Competitive salaries: We prioritized jobs from employers that offer a salary range of $15 to $27 per hour.
Comprehensive employee benefits: The majority of the jobs featured in this article offer a 401(k) plan, free meals and education assistance to supplement the base pay.
Variety in job type: We made sure to include both part-time and full-time options to provide you flexibility.

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