Dishwasher/server vs prep cook/dishwasher

The differences between dishwasher/servers 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 $28,063 average annual salary of a dishwasher/server.

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

Dishwasher/server vs prep cook/dishwasher overview

	Dishwasher/Server	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Yearly salary	$28,063	$31,687
Hourly rate	$13.49	$15.23
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	92,239	126,351
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	36	38
Years of experience	-	4

Dishwasher/server vs prep cook/dishwasher salary

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

	Dishwasher/Server	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average salary	$28,063	$31,687
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $35,000	Between $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/server and prep cook/dishwasher education

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

	Dishwasher/Server	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Dishwasher/server vs prep cook/dishwasher demographics

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

	Dishwasher/Server	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average age	36	38
Gender ratio	Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4%	Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	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	5%	6%

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

Dishwasher/server example responsibilities.

Complete end-of-shift cleaning duties to maximize dining area cleanliness
Work from dishwasher to bartender performing various tasks to ensure customer satisfaction
Work BOH in a fast pace environment with food make to order as customers want it.

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.

Dishwasher/server vs prep cook/dishwasher skills

Common dishwasher/server skills

Wash Dishes, 28%
Customer Service, 13%
Clean Kitchen, 12%
Fine Dining, 11%
Food Service, 8%
Dishwashers, 5%

Common prep cook/dishwasher skills

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

Dishwasher/Server vs. similar jobs

Dishwasher/Server related careers

Dishwasher/Server related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Dishwasher/Server
Dishwasher/Server vs Prep Cook/Dishwasher

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs