FAQ
Prep Cook FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a prep cook.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a prep cook: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about prep cooks
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.
Is prep cook a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.0% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 135,700 openings each year. Upsides include no experience needed; a common challenge is that repetitive tasks.
What skills does a prep cook need?
Key technical skills include knife skills, recipe following, measuring, and food labeling and storage. Employers also value reliability, speed, and attention to detail.
What certifications are available for prep cooks?
Common credentials include Food handler card, ServSafe Food Handler, Allergen awareness, and Knife skills class. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Prep Cook fit quiz, compare with Line Cook, or explore Prep Cook 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.