Master cook vs prep cook

The differences between master cooks and prep cooks 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 prep cook. Additionally, a master cook has an average salary of $34,732, which is higher than the $32,292 average annual salary of a prep cook.

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

Master cook vs prep cook overview

	Master Cook	Prep Cook
Yearly salary	$34,732	$32,292
Hourly rate	$16.70	$15.53
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	149,906	168,265
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Master cook vs prep cook salary

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook
Average salary	$34,732	$32,292
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Kemps
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between master cook and prep cook education

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Master cook vs prep cook demographics

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 61.3% Female, 38.7%
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, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 8.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between master cook and 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.

Prep cook example responsibilities.

Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
Provide students with first-rate customer service and ensure correct time-temperature control of culinary dishes.
Learned and become CPR certify for emergencies.
Direct and ensure that HACCP procedures are follow.
Plan menu items as needed for caf or catering.
Earn first aid, CPR, and a certification.

Master cook vs 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 prep cook skills

Food Handling, 15%
Culinary, 15%
Sanitation Standards, 12%
Kitchen Equipment, 9%
Cleanliness, 7%
Team Work, 7%

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Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
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Master Cook vs Prep Cook

Updated January 8, 2025

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