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The differences between prep cook/dishwashers and line 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 prep cook/dishwasher and a line cook/dishwasher. Additionally, a line cook/dishwasher has an average salary of $34,435, 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 line cook/dishwasher are food handling, cleanliness, and dishwashers.
| Prep Cook/Dishwasher | Line Cook/Dishwasher | |
| Yearly salary | $31,687 | $34,435 |
| Hourly rate | $15.23 | $16.56 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 126,351 | 133,370 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A line cook/dishwasher is primarily in charge of prepping food and maintaining their work station's cleanliness while adhering to health standards and protocols. Among their duties include washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat according to requirements, preparing sauces, and cooking according to an executive chef's directives. They also participate in cleaning and sterilizing kitchen tools and equipment, monitoring the inventory of ingredients, unloading stock deliveries, and taking care of leftovers. Additionally, as a line cook/dishwasher, it is essential to maintain an open communication line with fellow kitchen staff for an efficient workflow.
Prep cook/dishwashers and line cook/dishwashers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Prep Cook/Dishwasher | Line Cook/Dishwasher | |
| Average salary | $31,687 | $34,435 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Seattle Seahawks | - |
| Best paying industry | Retail | - |
There are a few differences between a prep cook/dishwasher and a line cook/dishwasher in terms of educational background:
| Prep Cook/Dishwasher | Line Cook/Dishwasher | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Culinary Arts | Culinary Arts |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between prep cook/dishwashers' and line cook/dishwashers' demographics:
| Prep Cook/Dishwasher | Line Cook/Dishwasher | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9% | Male, 84.2% Female, 15.8% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 8.1% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |