What Restaurants Do Prep Cooks Make the Most Money at in Saint Paul, MN?

Restaurants Where Prep Cooks Make the Most Money at in Saint Paul, MN: Key Takeaways

The average base pay for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul is around $20 per hour.
Tips for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul are generally low or minimal since this position is typically back-of-house.
University of St. Thomas and Eurest are leading employers with some of the highest hourly wages for Prep Cooks in the area.

Prep Cooks in Saint Paul earn solid base wages typically ranging from $18.5 to $21.5 per hour. While tips usually don’t add much to their income, this salary reflects competitive pay for back-of-house kitchen roles locally.

If you're wondering which restaurants in Saint Paul pay Prep Cooks the most, this article breaks down key employers, wage data, and insights on maximizing earnings.

For detailed career insights, check our prep cook interview questions guide to prepare effectively for your job search.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul hosts a variety of eateries and hospitality venues that offer competitive wages to Prep Cooks, reflecting the city's growing food scene and diverse culinary options.

From university campuses to upscale dining establishments, these employers stand out for offering some of the best pay rates for this position.

Eurest

Eurest is a food service company providing dining solutions in corporate and institutional environments. Prep Cooks here earn around $21 per hour, reflecting the company's dedication to competitive pay and training.

Levy Sector

Levy Sector operates food and beverage services in venues including sports arenas and entertainment spots. Offering about $18.5 per hour, they provide Prep Cooks opportunities for steady income with room for advancement.

Houlihan's Restaurant and Bar

Known for its casual but quality dining experience, Houlihan's pays Prep Cooks approximately $19.5 per hour and values team-oriented kitchen staff highly.

Employers aiming to boost their kitchen staff can explore our guide to hiring a cook for expert tips on recruitment and onboarding.

Morrissey Hospitality (Tria Restaurant)

Morrissey Hospitality operates several local restaurants including Tria, blending classic and modern culinary styles. Prep Cooks earn about $19 per hour here while working in a creative environment.

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas employs Prep Cooks for its campus dining services, offering some of the highest pay at approximately $21.5 per hour along with stable benefits and work schedules.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Prep Cook Earnings in Saint Paul, MN

The type of establishment has a noticeable effect on how much Prep Cooks earn. Casual dining venues and institutional settings often provide steady schedules but slightly lower pay. Conversely, upscale or specialty restaurants might offer higher rates to attract skilled kitchen staff.

Factors influencing earnings include:

Location: Central Saint Paul restaurants tend to pay more due to higher demand and clientele expectations.
Experience and Certifications: Prep Cooks with culinary training or food safety certifications generally command better wages.
Work Environment: Venues with high volume or complex menus value efficient Prep Cooks and compensate accordingly.

Tips for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul are minimal since their role is behind the scenes; however, wages are competitive enough to form the basis of a strong income in the local hospitality sector.

Prep Cooks looking to advance should understand the differences between roles such as line cook and prep cook to better navigate their career path.

How To Find a High Paying Prep Cook Job in Saint Paul, MN

Craft a tailored resume: Highlight any culinary education and kitchen experience efficiently to catch employers' eyes.
Network locally: Engage with industry groups, attend hospitality job fairs, and connect with restaurant hiring managers on social media.
Obtain certifications: Completing a ServSafe or food handler certificate can greatly improve your job prospects and wages.
Target high-volume venues: Applying to stadiums, universities, or large event caterers can offer higher wages and consistent hours.
Prepare for interviews: Be ready to demonstrate kitchen skills and discuss work ethic and teamwork.

Interview tips specifically for kitchen roles can be found in our Prep Cook interview questions resource.

What’s the Outlook for Prep Cook Jobs in Saint Paul, MN in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul is expected to grow moderately through 2025 and beyond, as the local hospitality industry recovers and expands.

With tourism and dining out steadily increasing, reliable kitchen staff are needed to support restaurants, catering businesses, and institutional food services.

According to labor market projections, this essential entry-level position should see steady openings, particularly as turnover in food service roles remains high.

This positive outlook ensures:

Continuous job opportunities for Prep Cooks across multiple sectors.
Potential for wage growth as employers compete for skilled kitchen workers.
Pathways for advancement into other culinary or hospitality roles with experience.

Is a Prep Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Saint Paul, MN?

The average hourly wage for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul is approximately $20, which annualizes to about $41,600 for full-time work without considering tips, which are usually minimal in this role.

Basic living expenses in Saint Paul include:

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: around $1,200 per month
Utilities and internet: roughly $200 per month
Groceries and daily needs: estimated at $350–$450 per month
Public transportation or other commuting costs: about $80 per month

While a Prep Cook salary covers essential costs, budget-conscious living is required. Opportunities for overtime or advancement can further improve financial stability in the city.

Employers interested in retaining kitchen staff can learn valuable strategies from the article strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Saint Paul, MN Prep Cook Jobs

We selected these establishments based on competitive base pay rates and the presence of stable work schedules, benefits, and good workplace environments.

Location in Saint Paul, employer reputation, and opportunity for skill development were critical factors in our choices.

Additionally, employers known for investment in employee training and advancement made our list, helping Prep Cooks not only earn well but also grow their careers.

01. Which restaurant pays the best for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul, MN?

University of St. Thomas and Eurest offer some of the highest hourly wages for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul, paying up to around $21.5 per hour.

02. How much does a Prep Cook in Saint Paul, MN earn from tips?

Prep Cooks generally receive minimal or no tips as they work behind the scenes in the kitchen, so their income is mostly from hourly wages.

03. Is it easy to find a job as a Prep Cook in Saint Paul, MN?

Finding entry-level Prep Cook positions is fairly manageable in Saint Paul, especially in casual dining, institutional, and campus dining environments with ongoing hiring needs.

04. What is the career path for Prep Cooks in Saint Paul, MN?

Prep Cooks can advance to roles such as line cooks, sauté cooks, or other culinary positions with more responsibility, often by gaining experience and certifications.