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Prep cook/dishwasher vs prep chef

The differences between prep cook/dishwashers and prep chefs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a prep cook/dishwasher, becoming a prep chef takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a prep cook/dishwasher has an average salary of $31,687, which is higher than the $25,941 average annual salary of a prep chef.

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

Prep cook/dishwasher vs prep chef overview

Prep Cook/DishwasherPrep Chef
Yearly salary$31,687$25,941
Hourly rate$15.23$12.47
Growth rate16%15%
Number of jobs126,35152,624
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age3842
Years of experience46

Prep cook/dishwasher vs prep chef salary

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherPrep Chef
Average salary$31,687$25,941
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $17,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySeattle Seahawks-
Best paying industryRetail-

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and prep chef education

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherPrep Chef
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common college-Drexel University

Prep cook/dishwasher vs prep chef demographics

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

Prep Cook/DishwasherPrep Chef
Average age3842
Gender ratioMale, 80.1% Female, 19.9%Male, 67.1% Female, 32.9%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.2% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between prep cook/dishwasher and prep chef 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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Prep chef example responsibilities.

  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Work using fryers, boilers, grill, ovens, steamers, mixers.
  • Instruct new employees in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
  • Maintain highest level of cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Maintain cleanliness of station, ensuring sanitary conditions.
  • Create and prepare international cuisine for executive clientele by using ingenuity, organization, efficiency in production and attention to detail
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Prep cook/dishwasher vs prep chef 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 prep chef skills
  • Kitchen Equipment, 33%
  • Dishes, 30%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Food Service, 10%
  • Dinner Service, 2%
  • Prep List, 1%

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