Career comparison
Prep Cook vs. Short-Order Cook
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Short-order cooks earn more at the median ($35,880 vs. $35,320), while prep cooks usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Prep cooks prepare the ingredients that make every kitchen service possible. Short-order cooks cook quick orders like eggs, burgers and sandwiches at diners and cafés.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Prep Cook | Short-Order Cook | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $35,320 ($16.98/hr) | $35,880 ($17.25/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $25,810 – $45,340 | $23,440 – $46,460 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.0% (a projected decline) | -5.2% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 135,700 | 17,400 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 1–4 weeks | A few days on the job |
| Key credential | Food handler card | Food handler card |
| Work setting | Prep cooks work in kitchens that can be busy, wet and noisy, using knives and slicers. | Cooks work at diners, cafés, bars and counters.. |
What each job does
Prep Cook
- Wash, peel and cut produce
- Portion meats and proteins
- Prepare sauces, dressings and simple recipes
- Measure ingredients accurately
- Label, date and store food
Short-Order Cook
- Cook orders
- Run the griddle
- Read tickets
- Time multiple orders
- Plate food
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work. Both are part of the hospitality, food & tourism field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose prep cook if…
- I like working with food
- I want to start without experience
- I like early shifts
Choose short-order cook if…
- I can juggle many orders
- I work fast
- I like breakfast food
Still torn? Take the Prep Cook fit quiz and the Short-Order Cook fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, prep cook or short-order cook?
Short-Order Cooks earn more at the median: $35,880 versus $35,320 for prep cooks, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Prep Cooks typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than short-order cooks (A few days on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects prep cooks to grow -3.0% from 2025–35, compared with -5.2% for short-order cooks.