Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of prep cooks that are the highest paid 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 is the highest-paid type of prep cook with an average salary of $44,412 and an average hourly rate of $21.35.
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The second highest-paying type of prep cook is line cook/dishwasher, with an average salary of $34,435.
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The average prep cook salary is $32,292 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.53.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a prep cook, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of prep cooks are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of prep cooks:
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Head Cook
Average Salary: $44,412
A head cook is responsible for organizing the food preparation, organizing the kitchen operations, and ensuring the quality of the food presented. Head cooks’ duties include monitoring the food inventory, creating new recipes, researching current market trends, responding to guests’ inquiries and complaints, distributing kitchen tasks to the staff, and maintaining budget goals while maintaining the highest food quality. A head cook must always adhere to the sanitary procedures and hygienic standards, as well as have a broad knowledge of the food industry.
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Line Cook/Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,435
A line cook/dishwasher is primarily in charge of prepping food and maintaining their work station’s cleanliness while adhering to health standards and protocols. Among their duties include washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat according to requirements, preparing sauces, and cooking according to an executive chef’s directives. They also participate in cleaning and sterilizing kitchen tools and equipment, monitoring the inventory of ingredients, unloading stock deliveries, and taking care of leftovers. Additionally, as a line cook/dishwasher, it is essential to maintain an open communication line with fellow kitchen staff for an efficient workflow.
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Assistant Cook
Average Salary: $34,244
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Breakfast Cook
Average Salary: $33,616
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Pantry Cook
Average Salary: $33,568
Below is a full table of the average pay for various prep cook that pay the most followed by a more 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 | |
| 6 | Line Cook, Prep Cook | |
| 7 | Line Cook | |
| 8 | Grill Cook/Prep | |
| 9 | Cook/Trainer | |
| 10 | Grill Cook | |
| 11 | Cook | |
| 12 | Cook/Dishwasher | |
| 13 | Prep Cook/Dishwasher | |
| 14 | Kitchen Cook | |
| 15 | Short Order Cook | |
| 16 | Fry Cook | |
| 17 | Cook/Server | |
| 18 | Pizza Cook | |
| 19 | Prep Chef | |
| 20 | Food Prep |
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for prep cooks.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the 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 $44,412, which is $ 21.35 hourly.
A head cook is responsible for organizing the food preparation, organizing the kitchen operations, and ensuring the quality of the food presented. Head cooks’ duties include monitoring the food inventory, creating new recipes, researching current market trends, responding to guests’ inquiries and complaints, distributing kitchen tasks to the staff, and maintaining budget goals while maintaining the highest food quality. A head cook must always adhere to the sanitary procedures and hygienic standards, as well as have a broad knowledge of the food industry.
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What is a good salary for a prep cook?
A good salary for a prep cook is $32,292 or more. The average prep cook salary is $32,292, so those making at least $32,292 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average prep cook salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a prep cook, the average entry level salary is $24,208, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $32,292 average, as this includes all prep cooks of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Prep Cook jobs pay well?
No, prep cook jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some prep cook jobs pay better than others, but the average prep cook salary of $32,292 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many prep cook jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of prep cooks earning $34,744 a year on average.
Prep Cooks’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a prep cook. Do your research on the going rate for a prep cook in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do prep cooks get paid the most?
Prep Cooks get paid the most in Washington. In Washington, prep cooks earn an average annual salary of $40,515 and an average hourly wage of $19.48.
Following WA, the states with the highest-paid prep cooks are Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon, with average annual salaries of $34,856, $33,836, and $36,575 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid prep cook salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $40,582
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Los Angeles, CA – $36,993
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Urban Honolulu, HI – $36,767
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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.
