Prep cook/dishwasher vs kitchen worker

The differences between prep cook/dishwashers and kitchen workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a prep cook/dishwasher has an average salary of $31,687, which is higher than the $28,720 average annual salary of a kitchen worker.

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

Prep cook/dishwasher vs kitchen worker overview

	Prep Cook/Dishwasher	Kitchen Worker
Yearly salary	$31,687	$28,720
Hourly rate	$15.23	$13.81
Growth rate	16%	2%
Number of jobs	126,351	86,773
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	38	37
Years of experience	4	-

Prep cook/dishwasher vs kitchen worker salary

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

	Prep Cook/Dishwasher	Kitchen Worker
Average salary	$31,687	$28,720
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Seattle Seahawks	Kemps
Best paying industry	Retail	Education

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and kitchen worker education

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

	Prep Cook/Dishwasher	Kitchen Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Business
Most common college	-	-

Prep cook/dishwasher vs kitchen worker demographics

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

	Prep Cook/Dishwasher	Kitchen Worker
Average age	38	37
Gender ratio	Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%	Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and kitchen worker 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.

Kitchen worker example responsibilities.

Ensure cleanliness of surroundings and sterilization/sanitation of kitchen prep area and food trays.
Clean floors, dishes, stoves and pots.
Prepare for opening the next morning by cleaning and shutting down fryers and broiler.
Work well with other employees-Maintain cleanliness of areas assigned-perform a variety of services-follow property policies and procedures-oversee own responsibilities
Remove wash dishware, flatware, and glassware from dishwasher and stack them according to size and likeness for future use.
Sanitize heavy equipment including dishwasher, mixer and slicer.

Prep cook/dishwasher vs kitchen worker 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 kitchen worker skills

Cleanliness, 17%
Food Handling, 13%
Kitchen Equipment, 12%
Food Service, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Patients, 8%

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Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Prep Cook/Dishwasher vs Kitchen Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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