How Much Does a Prep Cook Make? (2025)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that the employment of cooks, including prep cooks, in the US is expected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033. This figure is faster than average and corresponds to an estimated 441,400 job openings every year for cooks, including prep cooks.
Salary.com indicates that the average annual salary for a prep cook in the United States in 2025 is $35,590. This salary guide offers a thorough examination of the salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations of prep cooks.
What Does a Prep Cook Do?
A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients for workstations and assisting with various dishes. Raw ingredients are handled, washed, stored, and prepped for use in recipes to create meals that meet human consumption standards. This job title also involves supporting cooks with basic recipes, creating sauces and garnishes, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
According to Salary.com, a prep cook typically needs 0 to 1 year of general work experience and requires a high school diploma or equivalent. They usually report to a supervisor and operate under the supervision of senior personnel in the functional area. They also possess a moderate comprehension of the fundamental aspects of the position.
What is the Prep Cook Salary Overview?
As of February 2025, the average salary for a prep cook in the United States is $35,590, as reported by Salary.com. The annual salary of a prep cook varies between $30,050 and $44,760. The monthly average pay is $2,966.
Prep cooks earn an average of $17 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $14 to $22. Moreover, the average salary for a prep cook per week is $684, with weekly pay ranging from $578 to $861.
2025 Prep Cook Salary: $35,590 ($17 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a prep cook is $35,890 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,350 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,990 |
| 50th Percentile | $35,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,690 |
| 90th Percentile | $45,060 |
According to Salary.com, the average total compensation for prep cooks in the United States is $55,568. Benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($4,417), and Social Security ($2,746) account for 27.8% of the total compensation package.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $35,590 | 64.0% |
| Bonus | $300 | 0.5% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $2,746 | 4.9% |
| 401K/403B | $1,507 | 2.7% |
| Disability | $718 | 1.3% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 15.0% |
| Pension | $1,938 | 3.5% |
| Time Off | $4,417 | 7.9% |
| Total Compensation | $55,568 | 100% |
What Can Affect Prep Cook Salaries?
Several factors, including experience level, geographic area, education, and skills, can have a substantial impact on prep cook salary. Here's a breakdown of significant salary components:
By Experience Level
Prep cook salaries are projected to rise with experience. According to Salary.com, the average income for entry-level prep cooks with less than a year of experience is $34,271. In comparison,
experienced prep cooks who have worked for eight years or more and are regarded as expert-level professionals may expect to earn an average compensation of $37,697.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Prep Cook | $34,271 |
| Intermediate Level Prep Cook | $34,354 |
| Senior Level Prep Cook | $35,548 |
| Specialist Level Prep Cook | $37,554 |
| Expert Level Prep Cook | $37,697 |
By Geographic Location
A prep cook’s average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
While Miami and Dallas exhibit lesser median salaries at $34,390 and $35,090, respectively, San Francisco reports the highest prep cook salary at $44,490 among the hot cities in the United States.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $40,890 | $44,490 | $50,490 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $36,390 | $39,590 | $44,990 |
| Miami, Florida | $31,590 | $34,390 | $38,990 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $34,290 | $37,290 | $42,390 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $36,690 | $39,890 | $45,290 |
| New York, New York | $38,190 | $41,590 | $47,190 |
| Dallas, Texas | $32,290 | $35,090 | $39,890 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is an effective way to increase prep cook salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand prep cook skills are food and beverage services and food preparation with 34.19% and 25.61%, respectively.
Meanwhile, fundamental skills such as housekeeping services and safety procedures could raise prep cook earnings by 7.28% and 6.82%, respectively. The table below lists additional sought-after skills for prep cooks and their corresponding impact on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Handling and Storage | 16.90% | 6.43% |
| Cleaning/Sanitation | 4.96% | 6.22% |
| Food Safety | 21.96% | 6.03% |
| Food Preparation | 25.61% | 5.48% |
| Culinary Arts | 23.47% | 5.30% |
| Food and Beverage Services | 34.19% | 3.57% |
How to Become a Prep Cook?
Most cooks, including prep cooks, acquire their talents through on-the-job training and work experience. Although no formal schooling is typically necessary, some cooks go to culinary school. According to BLS, the following are how to become a cook, including prep cook:
- Education: Cooks typically don’t need formal education, but employers may prefer a high school diploma. Culinary programs at vocational schools, institutes, and colleges range from months to two years, completing training that prepares graduates for entry-level restaurant jobs.
- Get relevant training: Cooks, including prep cooks, usually learn on the job, starting with kitchen basics, safety, and food preparation. Some train through year-long apprenticeships sponsored by culinary institutes or trade groups. Before proceeding to advanced roles, apprenticeship programs provide foundational training, typically lasting about a year.
- Earn relevant licenses and certifications: Many states don't need cooks to be certified, but some states and municipalities require cooks to obtain food handling certification. Employers may review these certifications when considering candidates for promotion or specialized roles.
- Expand work experience: Many cooks, including prep cooks, gain their talents through work experience. Starting as a kitchen helper allows cooks to learn fundamental skills, which may lead to opportunities to advance to other roles. Some work under the supervision of more experienced cooks in full-time positions, where they respond to kitchen demands and refine their techniques.
What are the FAQs about Prep Cook?
Here are some common questions about the prep cooks pay:
Are prep cooks in demand?
Yes. According to BLS, prep cook jobs are only forecasted to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster compared to the average of all occupations. Over the coming years, there are expected to be approximately 441,400 cook jobs, including prep cook, opportunities per year.
What is the highest salary for a prep cook?
According to Salary.com, the prep cook salary in the United States can reach up to $44,760, with an average of $35,590. Keep in mind, however, that the prep cook salary varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and demand.
For example, San Francisco offers the highest median prep cook salary at $44,490. For more salary details, verify the data through the Salary.com report.
Do you need a degree to be a prep cook?
According to BLS, cooks, including prep cooks, often do not require formal education. Employers may demand or require that applicants obtain a high school diploma. Most cooks acquire their talents through on-the-job training and work experience, building a connection between hands-on learning and skill development.
