Cook vs prep cook/dishwasher

The differences between cooks and prep cook/dishwashers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a cook and a prep cook/dishwasher. Additionally, a cook has an average salary of $31,803, which is higher than the $31,687 average annual salary of a prep cook/dishwasher.

The top three skills for a cook include food handling, food service and cleanliness. The most important skills for a prep cook/dishwasher are wash dishes, food preparation equipment, and dishwashers.

Cook vs prep cook/dishwasher overview

	Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Yearly salary	$31,803	$31,687
Hourly rate	$15.29	$15.23
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	184,818	126,351
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

What does a cook do?

Cooks are responsible for preparing meals for guests or employers. They must be knowledgeable about the different recipes and ingredients needed. They are also responsible for managing the inventory and ensuring that the pantry is well-stocked. They prepare meals from scratch, cutting ingredients, measuring them, and following recipes. Cooks should be creative, especially when ingredients are lacking, and they must find alternatives that will not compromise the food taste. They should be precise, imaginative, and patient. Cooks should also have good time management skills and decision-making skills.

What does a prep cook/dishwasher do?

A prep cook and dishwasher is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing kitchen items and utensils, and performing basic cooking tasks under the supervision of chefs or cooks. It is also their responsibility to prepare ingredients by washing, chopping, weighing, and ensuring that they are the correct quantity and quality. Furthermore, a prep cook and dishwasher may also have to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, clear tables, monitor inventory of ingredients in storage, coordinate with the kitchen staff, and meet all health standards and policies.

Cook vs prep cook/dishwasher salary

Cooks and prep cook/dishwashers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average salary	$31,803	$31,687
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $40,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Washington
Best paying company	University of California, Berkeley	Seattle Seahawks
Best paying industry	Government	Retail

Differences between cook and prep cook/dishwasher education

There are a few differences between a cook and a prep cook/dishwasher in terms of educational background:

	Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Cook vs prep cook/dishwasher demographics

Here are the differences between cooks' and prep cook/dishwashers' demographics:

	Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8%	Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.5% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 8.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between cook and prep cook/dishwasher duties and responsibilities

Cook example responsibilities.

Achieve completion to cook, prep and dish meticulous meals to an immense amount of customers with proficient dexterity quality.
Organize production and set up broiler station for lunch shift, manage grill with 30-40 steaks at varying temps and cuts.
Lead cook line and instruct cooks and other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of dishes.
Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
Develop ability to manage multiple stations simultaneously while maintaining high levels of culinary excellence.
Operate large volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep fryers, and griddles.

Prep cook/dishwasher example responsibilities.

Manage the POS system (adding/deleting specials, editing prices, viewing server appetizer/dessert sales and their server report information).
Operate many kitchen appliances and machines including fryers, grinders, food processors, mixers, and slicers.
Perform basic cooking duties such as operate fryers as well as assist cooks in any way need with entrees.
Receive, prepare and plate orders using commercial grills, fryers, ovens and stoves in a quick and consistent manner.
Prep food items and refrigerate appropriately, maintain cleanliness of restaurant, wash all dishes associate with the daily operations
Operate a dishwasher for a hospital cafeteria.

Cook vs prep cook/dishwasher skills

Common cook skills

Food Handling, 14%
Food Service, 10%
Cleanliness, 10%
Kitchen Equipment, 9%
Basic Math, 7%
Culinary, 6%

Common prep cook/dishwasher skills

Wash Dishes, 42%
Food Preparation Equipment, 10%
Dishwashers, 8%
Kitchen Equipment, 4%
Cooking Equipment, 3%
Line Cooks, 3%

Cook vs. similar jobs

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Cook vs Prep Cook/Dishwasher

Updated January 8, 2025

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