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Prep cook/dishwasher vs cook/dishwasher

The differences between prep cook/dishwashers and cook/dishwashers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cook/dishwasher has an average salary of $31,703, 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 a cook/dishwasher are wash dishes, customer service, and dishwashers.

Prep cook/dishwasher vs cook/dishwasher overview

Prep Cook/DishwasherCook/Dishwasher
Yearly salary$31,687$31,703
Hourly rate$15.23$15.24
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs126,351133,000
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age3836
Years of experience4-

What does a prep cook/dishwasher do?

A prep cook and dishwasher is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing kitchen items and utensils, and performing basic cooking tasks under the supervision of chefs or cooks. It is also their responsibility to prepare ingredients by washing, chopping, weighing, and ensuring that they are the correct quantity and quality. Furthermore, a prep cook and dishwasher may also have to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, clear tables, monitor inventory of ingredients in storage, coordinate with the kitchen staff, and meet all health standards and policies.

What does a cook/dishwasher do?

Cooks/dishwashers must develop kitchen skills to excel in this line of job. Each cook or dishwasher must learn to develop skills in food preparation, sanitation, and customer service. Cooks or dishwashers can be assigned to different areas, either in the kitchen area, food preparation, or in washing dishes. The scope of their responsibilities may include the cooking surface area, specific food items, or menu items. Also, they are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen, assist in preparing food, and may do any other duties demanded by the chef.

Prep cook/dishwasher vs cook/dishwasher salary

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherCook/Dishwasher
Average salary$31,687$31,703
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WATacoma, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companySeattle SeahawksNew Seasons Market
Best paying industryRetailHospitality

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and cook/dishwasher education

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherCook/Dishwasher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsBusiness
Most common college--

Prep cook/dishwasher vs cook/dishwasher demographics

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherCook/Dishwasher
Average age3836
Gender ratioMale, 80.1% Female, 19.9%Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3%
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, 12.6% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 5.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and cook/dishwasher 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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Cook/dishwasher example responsibilities.

  • Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
  • Cook and prepare sandwiches and entrees throughout the shift, working with slicers, grills, and fryers.
  • Enter orders into pos system.
  • Organize groceries as to ensure use before expiration.
  • Host: open/close shifts, greet and seat tables, run seating board.
  • Serve food to customers, run the cash register and also buse tables and wash dishes.
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Prep cook/dishwasher vs cook/dishwasher 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 cook/dishwasher skills
  • Wash Dishes, 44%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Dishwashers, 7%
  • Prep Food, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 3%

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