What Does a Prep Cook Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a prep cook do?

Food preparation workers wash, cut, measure and prepare ingredients, follow recipes, label and store food, and keep the kitchen clean and organized. The median pay is $35,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks, and employment is projected to grow -3.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$35,320
$16.98/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-3.0%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
135,700
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
1–4 weeks
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
908,500
Employment, 2025

What prep cooks do

Prep cooks get kitchens ready. They wash and chop vegetables, portion meats, make sauces and dressings, measure ingredients, label and date containers, rotate stock and keep work areas clean. In restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores and catering kitchens, prep work sets up the line for success.

No formal education is required, and training happens on the job. Prep cooking is a common first kitchen job and a path to line cook and chef roles.

Typical duties

Wash, peel and cut produce
Portion meats and proteins
Prepare sauces, dressings and simple recipes
Measure ingredients accurately
Label, date and store food
Rotate stock using FIFO
Clean and sanitize work areas

Work environment and schedule

Prep cooks work in kitchens that can be busy, wet and noisy, using knives and slicers. The job involves standing and lifting.

Schedule: Many prep cooks work early morning shifts; part-time and weekend work is common.

A day in the life

7:00 AMClock in, review the prep list and check the walk-in.
7:30 AMWash and cut vegetables for the lunch line.
9:00 AMPortion chicken breasts and label containers.
10:30 AMMake salad dressings from recipes.

See a full day in the life of a prep cook →

Prep Cook salary

Half of prep cooks earned more than $35,320 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $25,810 for the lowest 10% to $45,340 for the top 10%.

$25,81010th$35,320Median$45,34090th

Full prep cook pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a prep cook

Get hired
Earn a food handler card
Master knife skills
Learn recipes
Move up

No formal education is required. Prep cooks learn on the job and usually need a food handler card.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a prep cook →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Knife skills
Recipe following
Measuring
Food labeling and storage
FIFO rotation

People skills

Reliability
Speed
Attention to detail
Teamwork

All prep cook skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

No experience needed
Daytime shifts are common
Learn kitchen skills
Path to line cook

Cons

Repetitive tasks
Standing all day
Modest pay
Knife and slicer hazards

Certifications and licenses

Food handler card: Basic food safety training.
ServSafe Food Handler: Food safety course.
Allergen awareness: Allergen safety training.
Knife skills class: Short courses improve speed and safety.

Career path

Dishwasher or Prep Cook: Prepare ingredients.
Line Cook: Cook on stations.
Sous Chef: Lead kitchens.
Chef: Run kitchens.

Learn the job before day one

Our Prep Cook training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as dice an onion and label and store prepped food, safety and how to land your first job.

View Prep Cook training Is this career right for me?

Line Cook

Cook dishes to order on a busy restaurant line.

$37,390
1–6 months on the job

Baker

Mix, shape and bake breads, pastries and desserts.

$37,160
1–12 months

Butcher

Cut, trim and prepare meat for stores, restaurants and customers.

$40,140
3–12 months on the job

Barista

Make coffee drinks and serve customers at cafes and coffee shops.

$31,200
1–2 weeks

Compare: Prep Cook vs. Line Cook · Prep Cook vs. Baker · Prep Cook vs. Butcher · Prep Cook vs. Barista

Prep Cook FAQ

Do prep cooks need experience?

No. Training is on the job.

What’s the difference between a prep cook and line cook?

Prep cooks prepare ingredients; line cooks cook orders during service.

Can prep cooks become chefs?

Yes, many chefs started in prep.

How much does a prep cook make?

The median annual wage for prep cooks was $35,320 ($16.98 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $25,810 and the highest 10% earned more than $45,340.

How long does it take to become a prep cook?

Most people need about 1–4 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Prep cooks learn on the job and usually need a food handler card.

Do you need a degree to be a prep cook?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-2021 (Food preparation workers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Food preparation workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Prep Cook