How To Become A Prep Cook/Dishwasher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a prep cook/dishwasher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Prep Cooks and Dishwashers are considered as low-level jobs to the financial world but to the creative culinary world a rite of passage into understanding the integrity behind the process of cooking. Legendary chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Thomas Keller, and Mario Batalli all started as dishwashers.

A prep cook and dishwasher are primarily involved in cleaning kitchen utensils and equipment, as well as undertaking food preparation tasks such as chopping, weighing, washing, and storing. They also help to assist chefs in recording food inventory.

Many chefs become dishwashers at a very young age to understand how the kitchen works and this role does not require any previous experience. If you have the passion and willingness to go the extra mile, a chef will give you the opportunity. You just need to show up and knock on the door. Prep cooks and dishwashers earn an average of $12 per hour and generally work between 30-50 hours per week.

ScorePrep Cook/DishwasherUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $31,687

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.2

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.16%

Asian 8.55%

Black or African American 8.48%

Hispanic or Latino 17.95%

Unknown 4.77%

White 59.07%

Gender

female 19.86%

male 80.14%

Age - 37

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37

Stress level

6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.3

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a prep cook/dishwasher

Explore prep cook/dishwasher education requirements

Most common prep cook/dishwasher degrees

High School Diploma

57.2 %

Diploma

16.5 %

Associate

12.3 %

Start to develop specific prep cook/dishwasher skills

Skills	Percentages
Wash Dishes	42.11%
Food Preparation Equipment	10.24%
Dishwashers	7.59%
Kitchen Equipment	3.88%
Cooking Equipment	3.21%

Complete relevant prep cook/dishwasher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New prep cook/dishwashers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a prep cook/dishwasher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real prep cook/dishwasher resumes.

Research prep cook/dishwasher duties and 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.

Prepare your prep cook/dishwasher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your prep cook/dishwasher resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a prep cook/dishwasher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable prep cook/dishwasher resume templates

Build a professional prep cook/dishwasher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your prep cook/dishwasher resume.

Apply for prep cook/dishwasher jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a prep cook/dishwasher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do prep cook/dishwashers rate their job?

4/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Prep cook/dishwasher reviews

4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022

Pros

Because ,I like making sure the dishes etc,food is prepared for customers!!!

Cons

None

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021

Cons

Leaving work when it's time to leave

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020

Cons

It's pretty stressful on the body. I definitely could not see myself doing this the rest of my life; I am 19 and I can admit it's hard work - and I would consider myself in shape. Like dishwashers, I do consider myself underappreciated as well. We don't make very much money - In some cases, the servers make more than us! I think it's because our specific organization doesn't allow the kitchen staff to get tips at all.

What is a prep cook/dishwasher and how to become one

Prep cook/dishwasher career paths

Key steps to become a prep cook/dishwasher

Explore prep cook/dishwasher education requirements

Most common prep cook/dishwasher degrees

Start to develop specific prep cook/dishwasher skills

Complete relevant prep cook/dishwasher training and internships

Research prep cook/dishwasher duties and responsibilities

Prepare your prep cook/dishwasher resume

Choose from 10+ customizable prep cook/dishwasher resume templates

Apply for prep cook/dishwasher jobs

How did you land your first prep cook/dishwasher job

Average prep cook/dishwasher salary

How do prep cook/dishwashers rate their job?

Prep cook/dishwasher reviews

Prep cook/dishwasher jobs by state