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Prep cook/dishwasher vs assistant cook

The differences between prep cook/dishwashers and assistant 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 prep cook/dishwasher and an assistant cook. Additionally, an assistant cook has an average salary of $34,244, which is higher than the $31,687 average annual salary of a prep cook/dishwasher.

The top three skills for a prep cook/dishwasher include wash dishes, food preparation equipment and dishwashers. The most important skills for an assistant cook are food handling, kitchen equipment, and dishes.

Prep cook/dishwasher vs assistant cook overview

Prep Cook/DishwasherAssistant Cook
Yearly salary$31,687$34,244
Hourly rate$15.23$16.46
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs126,351190,245
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age3838
Years of experience44

Prep cook/dishwasher vs assistant cook salary

Prep cook/dishwashers and assistant cooks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Prep Cook/DishwasherAssistant Cook
Average salary$31,687$34,244
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companySeattle SeahawksUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryRetailHospitality

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and assistant cook education

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherAssistant Cook
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common college--

Prep cook/dishwasher vs assistant cook demographics

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherAssistant Cook
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 80.1% Female, 19.9%Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 8.6% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

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

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.
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Assistant cook example responsibilities.

  • Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
  • Operate stoves, food processors, steamers, slices, ovens.
  • Ensure ovens and stoves are clean and ready for use.
  • Train new and current cooks on menu conversion, garnishing, and food presentation.
  • Prepare and deliver food trays to hospital patients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Supervise and maintain HACCP standards, training processes for cooks and monitor aspects of contract compliance.
  • Show more

Prep cook/dishwasher vs assistant cook skills

Common prep cook/dishwasher skills
  • Wash Dishes, 42%
  • Food Preparation Equipment, 10%
  • Dishwashers, 8%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 4%
  • Cooking Equipment, 3%
  • Line Cooks, 3%
Common assistant cook skills
  • Food Handling, 12%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 11%
  • Dishes, 9%
  • Food Service, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 6%

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