Prep Cook salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Prep Cook in United States is approximately 28,208 USD (28,314 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Prep Cook do?

A prep cook is responsible for assisting in the preparation of food items in a restaurant or food service establishment. They work under the supervision of a chef or head cook and are primarily responsible for prepping ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and measuring spices. Prep cooks also assist in preparing sauces, marinades, and dressings, as well as assembling and garnishing dishes. They may be involved in basic cooking tasks, such as boiling pasta or frying appetizers.

Skills: Prep Cook, Food Preparation, Culinary Arts, Kitchen Assistant, Restaurant Industry, Food Service
Job industry: Food and beverage

How much does Prep Cook make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Prep Cook a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Prep Cook is quite an underpaid paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Prep Cook might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Prep Cook?

High salary for Prep Cook would be somewhere between 31,029 USD and 40,902 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Prep Cook in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 28,208 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,351 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 542 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 14 USD per hour
By working as Prep Cook a person can save up to 80 USD per month or 954 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Prep Cook

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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