Master cook vs line cook, prep cook

The differences between master cooks and line cooks, prep cook can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a master cook and a line cook, prep cook. Additionally, a master cook has an average salary of $34,732, which is higher than the $32,982 average annual salary of a line cook, prep cook.

The top three skills for a master cook include kitchen equipment, customer service and culinary. The most important skills for a line cook, prep cook are kitchen equipment, food handling, and culinary.

Master cook vs line cook, prep cook overview

	Master Cook	Line Cook, Prep Cook
Yearly salary	$34,732	$32,982
Hourly rate	$16.70	$15.86
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	149,906	164,756
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Master cook vs line cook, prep cook salary

Master cooks and line cooks, prep cook have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Master Cook	Line Cook, Prep Cook
Average salary	$34,732	$32,982
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	WESTWOOD COUNTRY CLUB OF AUSTIN
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between master cook and line cook, prep cook education

There are a few differences between a master cook and a line cook, prep cook in terms of educational background:

	Master Cook	Line Cook, Prep Cook
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Master cook vs line cook, prep cook demographics

Here are the differences between master cooks' and line cooks, prep cook' demographics:

	Master Cook	Line Cook, Prep Cook
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 9.5% White, 51.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 9.1% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between master cook and line cook, prep cook duties and responsibilities

Master cook example responsibilities.

Inventory and run register, check merchandise in when arrive in facility.
Mentore cooks and other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
Contribute innovated ideas for new and unique cuisine and presentation techniques.
Maintain and follow proper hygiene and sanitation standards.

Line cook, prep cook example responsibilities.

Manage the POS system (adding/deleting specials, editing prices, viewing server appetizer/dessert sales and their server report information).
Prepare cold foods, operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers.
Expedite orders while maintaining food being cook in ovens, griddles, stoves and fryers.
Observe and test foods to determine quality and safety by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and fryers.
Set up and break down for any catering parties or buffets.
Cook foods by baking, roasting, broiling, frying, steaming, grilling.

Master cook vs line cook, prep cook skills

Common master cook skills

Kitchen Equipment, 19%
Customer Service, 18%
Culinary, 12%
Food Quality, 7%
Food Products, 6%
Cooking Techniques, 5%

Common line cook, prep cook skills

Kitchen Equipment, 25%
Food Handling, 11%
Culinary, 10%
Customer Service, 10%
Salad Station, 6%
Line Cooks, 6%

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Master Cook vs Line Cook, Prep Cook

Updated January 8, 2025

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