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Dishwasher/busser vs prep cook/dishwasher

The differences between dishwasher/bussers and prep cook/dishwashers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a prep cook/dishwasher has an average salary of $31,687, which is higher than the $28,061 average annual salary of a dishwasher/busser.

The top three skills for a dishwasher/busser include wash dishes, food preparation equipment and bus tables. The most important skills for a prep cook/dishwasher are wash dishes, food preparation equipment, and dishwashers.

Dishwasher/busser vs prep cook/dishwasher overview

Dishwasher/BusserPrep Cook/Dishwasher
Yearly salary$28,061$31,687
Hourly rate$13.49$15.23
Growth rate2%16%
Number of jobs69,122126,351
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 60%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age3638
Years of experience-4

What does a dishwasher/busser do?

Dishwashers/bussers perform varied supportive kitchen and janitorial tasks. These tasks include washing the dishes, resetting the tables, and removing plates and flatware from the tables. Also, dishwashers are responsible for restocking items, preparing the cook stations, and cleaning trash receptacles. They are expected to support other staff members and report any violations of food safety and kitchen accidents. The requirements for this role may include having a high school diploma, time management skills, and good communication 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.

Dishwasher/busser vs prep cook/dishwasher salary

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

Dishwasher/BusserPrep Cook/Dishwasher
Average salary$28,061$31,687
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $36,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Seattle Seahawks
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between dishwasher/busser and prep cook/dishwasher education

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

Dishwasher/BusserPrep Cook/Dishwasher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 60%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorGeneral StudiesCulinary Arts
Most common college--

Dishwasher/busser vs prep cook/dishwasher demographics

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

Dishwasher/BusserPrep Cook/Dishwasher
Average age3638
Gender ratioMale, 80.6% Female, 19.4%Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage5%6%

Differences between dishwasher/busser and prep cook/dishwasher duties and responsibilities

Dishwasher/busser example responsibilities.

  • Supervise dishwashers to maintain cleanliness of all utensils and all other food contact surfaces
  • Prep food items and refrigerate appropriately, maintain cleanliness of restaurant, wash all dishes associate with the daily operations
  • Maintain customer attentiveness and a neat appearance.

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.
  • Show more

Dishwasher/busser vs prep cook/dishwasher skills

Common dishwasher/busser skills
  • Wash Dishes, 32%
  • Food Preparation Equipment, 12%
  • Bus Tables, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Dishwashers, 6%
  • Dishwasher Machine, 6%
Common prep cook/dishwasher skills
  • Wash Dishes, 42%
  • Food Preparation Equipment, 10%
  • Dishwashers, 8%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 4%
  • Cooking Equipment, 3%
  • Line Cooks, 3%

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