What Restaurants Do Prep Cooks Make the Most Money at in Savannah, GA?

Restaurants Where Prep Cooks Make the Most Money at in Savannah, GA: Key Takeaways

• Prep Cooks in Savannah can earn between $14 and $22 per hour, depending on the restaurant.
• The Municipal Grand Hotel offers the highest pay range, between $19 and $22 per hour.
• Tipping is less common for Prep Cooks but they may occasionally receive tips or bonuses around $2-$5 per hour in some establishments.

Prep Cooks in Savannah, GA, have diverse earning opportunities depending on the restaurant’s size, prestige, and location.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of restaurants that pay the most for Prep Cook positions and analyzes salary factors.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Prep Cooks in Savannah, GA

Savannah’s diverse restaurant scene includes historic hotels and local favorites, offering Prep Cooks competitive wages and varied experiences.

Whether you seek upscale hotel kitchens or casual dining establishments, these restaurants have some of the best pay for Prep Cooks.

Municipal Grand Hotel

The Municipal Grand Hotel is a luxurious venue known for its sophisticated dining and event spaces.

Prep Cooks here earn one of the highest hourly wages, typically ranging from $19 to $22.

Vic's River Grill

Vic's River Grill delights guests with fresh seafood and southern-inspired dishes along the scenic riverfront.

Prep Cooks earn between $15 and $20 per hour, reflecting the restaurant's popularity and quality.

A cozy bistro located near Savannah’s historic square, popular among locals and tourists alike for its creative menu.

Prep Cook wages reach up to $18 per hour, competitive for the casual fine dining atmosphere.

If you are aiming to progress in culinary roles, understanding the differences between line cook and prep cook positions can be valuable for your career path.

The 5 Spot Midtown

A trendy spot known for live music and comfort food, The 5 Spot Midtown offers opportunities for kitchen staff with wages of $14 to $16 per hour.

Its lively atmosphere suits those seeking a casual but engaging work environment.

Lady & Sons Restaurant

Famous for southern cuisine and hosted by celebrity chef Paula Deen, Lady & Sons Restaurant provides steady work and reliable pay between $17 and $18 per hour.

This establishment balances typical kitchen work with the cachet of a well-known brand.

If you're hiring kitchen staff or prep cooks, referring to our guide on how to hire a cook will provide useful insights for recruitment.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Prep Cook Earnings

The type of establishment greatly influences a Prep Cook’s earnings.

Upscale hotels and fine dining restaurants tend to offer higher base pay, while casual eateries provide more flexible schedules but somewhat lower wages.

• Location: Central Savannah restaurants, especially those popular with tourists, often pay more.
• Experience: Prep Cooks with knowledge of specific cuisines or certifications can command better wages.
• Tips and Bonuses: Although less common, some Prep Cooks benefit from pooled tips or performance bonuses.

Typical tip additions for Prep Cooks range from $2 to $5 per hour in busier, customer-facing establishments, but generally tips are minimal compared to front-of-house roles.

For more detailed tips on reducing staff turnover and improving retention in kitchen roles, see strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

How To Find a High Paying Prep Cook Job in Savannah, GA

Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Highlight your relevant kitchen experience, culinary skills, and any certifications like ServSafe to make a positive impression.

Templates for effective cover letters and resumes can streamline your application process; check out our chef cover letter examples and templates.

Network Within the Local Culinary Community

Attend industry events, connect with hiring managers, and leverage local job boards to discover opportunities before they are widely advertised.

Building connections in your area can be a game changer; learn more about mentorship in hospitality careers to advance faster.

Obtain Relevant Certifications

Food handling and safety certifications improve your marketability and can justify higher pay.

See our career guide for prep cooks that includes certification options and recommendations.

Gain Experience and Show Reliability

Demonstrate consistent work ethic, punctuality, and skill development to increase chances of promotions and raises.

For career growth, exploring next steps such as becoming a line cook can open new opportunities.

What’s the Outlook for Prep Cook Jobs in Savannah, GA in 2025 and Beyond?

Prep Cook positions in Savannah are expected to grow steadily through 2025, supported by increasing tourism and restaurant expansions in the area.

The demand for reliable kitchen staff is strong, with opportunities in both established eateries and emerging dining concepts.

Entry-level roles like Prep Cook serve as stepping stones for many into culinary careers, further boosting hiring.

Is a Prep Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Savannah, GA?

Prep Cooks earning between $14 and $22 per hour, including some tips, can expect approximately $30,000 to $45,000 annually working full-time.

Compared to the average costs in Savannah, this salary can afford modest living arrangements.

• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,100 per month
• Utilities and internet: $150 per month
• Groceries and essentials: $300–400 per month

With budgeting, a Prep Cook’s salary typically supports essentials and some discretionary spending in Savannah's market.

Employers looking to optimize labor costs while maintaining fairness may find helpful insights in our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Savannah, GA Prep Cook Jobs

We selected restaurants based on their competitive hourly wages, stability, and positive employee reviews.

• Reputation and location: We prioritized well-known venues in prime Savannah dining areas.
• Pay range: Only restaurants offering above-average compensation made the list.
• Work environment: Considered feedback about management and workplace culture.

Our list aims to guide Prep Cooks towards the best-paying, most reputable opportunities in Savannah for career growth and financial stability.