Master cook vs prep cook/dishwasher

The differences between master 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 master cook and a prep cook/dishwasher. Additionally, a master cook has an average salary of $34,732, which is higher than the $31,687 average annual salary of a prep cook/dishwasher.

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

Master cook vs prep cook/dishwasher overview

	Master Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Yearly salary	$34,732	$31,687
Hourly rate	$16.70	$15.23
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	149,906	126,351
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Master cook vs prep cook/dishwasher salary

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average salary	$34,732	$31,687
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	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 master cook and prep cook/dishwasher education

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Master cook vs prep cook/dishwasher demographics

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

	Master Cook	Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%
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, 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 master cook and prep cook/dishwasher 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/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.

Master cook vs prep cook/dishwasher 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/dishwasher skills

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

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Master Cook vs Prep Cook/Dishwasher

Updated January 8, 2025

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