Highest-Paying Prep Cook Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a combination of publicly available government data, industry reports, and thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for prep cook positions across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paying roles within the prep cook category based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of prep cooks:
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Head Cook remains the highest-paid type of prep cook with an average salary of $46,500 and an average hourly rate of $22.34.
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The second highest-paying type of prep cook is line cook/dishwasher, with an average salary of $37,000.
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The average prep cook salary is $34,500 per year, translating to an average hourly pay of $16.60.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While compensation is an important factor, it should not be the sole consideration in your decision-making process. If you’re aiming for a career as a prep cook, understanding the highest-paying roles in this field can help you strategically plan your career growth.
Here are the top salaries for different types of prep cooks:
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Head Cook
Average Salary: $46,500
A head cook oversees food preparation, manages kitchen operations, and ensures food quality. Responsibilities include monitoring inventory, developing new recipes, analyzing market trends, addressing guest inquiries, delegating kitchen tasks, and adhering to budgetary requirements while upholding high food quality standards.
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Line Cook/Dishwasher
Average Salary: $37,000
The line cook/dishwasher is responsible for food prep and maintaining a clean workspace while following health standards. Duties include washing and chopping ingredients, cooking under the direction of an executive chef, and collaborating with the kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations.
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Assistant Cook
Average Salary: $35,000
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Breakfast Cook
Average Salary: $34,000
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Pantry Cook
Average Salary: $33,500
Below is a full table of the average pay for various prep cook positions followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Prep Cooks
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head Cook | |
| 2 | Line Cook/Dishwasher | |
| 3 | Assistant Cook | |
| 4 | Breakfast Cook | |
| 5 | Pantry Cook |
Methodology
Zippia compiles salary estimates using publicly available information from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and company reports for the latest salary information for prep cooks.
After gathering the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For a deeper dive into our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Prep Cook Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid prep cook job?
The highest-paid prep cook job is a head cook. Head Cooks earn an average salary of $46,500, which is $22.34 hourly.
A head cook is responsible for organizing food preparation, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring food quality. Responsibilities include monitoring inventory, developing new recipes, and addressing guest inquiries while adhering to sanitary standards.
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What is a good salary for a prep cook?
A good salary for a prep cook is $34,500 or more. The average prep cook salary is $34,500, so those earning at least this amount are making above-average wages.
However, salaries can vary based on location and experience. Research the average pay in your area for a more accurate assessment of your earnings.
If you are just starting your career as a prep cook, the average entry-level salary is approximately $26,000, so consider this when evaluating your compensation.
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Do prep cook jobs pay well?
Prep cook jobs generally offer moderate pay. While some positions pay better than others, the average salary of $34,500 is less than the national average salary of around $48,000 per year.
Many prep cooks have the potential for higher earnings, with the top 10% earning around $37,500 annually.
Compensation can vary based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s important to research the going rate for your specific role and negotiate accordingly.
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Where do prep cooks get paid the most?
Prep cooks earn the most in Washington. In Washington, prep cooks have an average annual salary of $43,000 and an average hourly wage of $20.67.
Following Washington, the states with the highest salaries for prep cooks include Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon, with average salaries of $37,000, $36,000, and $35,000, respectively.
Top cities for prep cook salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $43,500
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Los Angeles, CA – $39,000
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Urban Honolulu, HI – $38,000
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
