As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Prep Cook I in the United States is $33,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Prep Cook I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Prep Cook I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Prep Cook I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Prep Cook I | $33,168 |
| Intermediate Level Prep Cook I | $33,233 |
| Senior Level Prep Cook I | $34,091 |
| Specialist Level Prep Cook I | $35,220 |
| Expert Level Prep Cook I | $35,300 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Prep Cook Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.79% |
| Foodservice | 3.76% |
| Safety Standards | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaboration
|
$36,601 |
8%
|
|
WFM
|
$36,262 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$35,585 |
5%
|
|
Honesty and Integrity
|
$35,585 |
5%
|
|
Team Management
|
$35,585 |
5%
|
|
Foodservice
|
$35,246 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Prep Cook Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Prep Cook I with a No Diploma is between $32,399 and $33,912).
Prep Cook I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.1% |
| High School | 53.0% |
| Associates | 30.3% |
| Bachelors | 10.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Prep Cook I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Prep Cook I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $33,155 in 2023 to around $32,395 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Prep Cook I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $33,155 |
| 2024 | $33,018 |
| 2025 | $32,395 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Prep Cook I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The highest paying job varies by field, but in the culinary sector, a Prep Cook earns between $32,690 and $40,290 annually, with a mid-salary of $35,490. While this may not compare to top medical professions, it reflects the importance of skilled culinary roles in the job market.
Instead of prep cook,” the position can be referred to as kitchen multi-tasker.” This role involves working efficiently while managing overlapping tasks. A skilled kitchen multi-tasker can earn a salary ranging from $32,690 to $40,290, with a median salary of $35,490, all while ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and effectively.
Cooks, specifically prep cooks, earn a salary range that reflects their experience and skills. The minimum salary is $32,690, while the mid-range salary is $35,490, and the maximum salary can reach $40,290. While this may not be as high as some chef positions, it provides a decent income for those starting in the culinary field.
Being a prep cook can be physically demanding, requiring stamina for tasks like lifting heavy boxes and standing for long periods in hot, crowded kitchens. The salary range for this role typically falls between $32,690 and $40,290, with a median salary of $35,490, reflecting the effort and skills needed in this fast-paced environment.
The highest-paying job at Olive Garden Italian Restaurants is a Chief Executive Officer, with an estimated salary of $241,394 per year. In contrast, a Prep Cook earns between $32,690 and $40,290 annually, with a mid-salary of $35,490. The lowest-paying job is a Hostess, with an estimated salary of $27,916 per year.
High Paying Cook Jobs include positions like Cooking Show Host with salaries ranging from $31,000 to $70,000 per year. For a Prep Cook, the salary ranges from $32,690 to $40,290, with a mid-salary of $35,490. Other roles such as Chief Cook and Lunch Cook also offer competitive salaries, reflecting the diverse earning potential in the culinary field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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