As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Prep Cook II in the United States is $38,643 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Prep Cook II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Prep Cook II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,273 | $3,439 | $794 | $20 |
| Average | $38,643 | $3,220 | $743 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,843 | $2,904 | $670 | $17 |
A Prep Cook II'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Prep Cook II'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 II | $37,982 |
| Intermediate Level Prep Cook II | $38,663 |
| Senior Level Prep Cook II | $39,527 |
| Specialist Level Prep Cook II | $39,644 |
| Expert Level Prep Cook II | $39,841 |
Prep Cook II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,185. While startup companies pay approximate $36,530.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $36,530 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $38,634 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $41,701 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,185 |
Understanding how a Prep Cook II'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,273 | $3,439 | $794 | $20 |
| Average | $38,643 | $3,220 | $743 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,843 | $2,904 | $670 | $17 |
Salaries for a Prep Cook II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,767 in 2023 to around $35,767 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Prep Cook II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $36,767 |
| 2024 | $36,349 |
| 2025 | $35,767 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Prep Cook II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
A prep cook is an essential member of a restaurant kitchen team, responsible for preparing ingredients and performing basic cooking tasks to assist line cooks and chefs in creating delicious dishes. The salary for a prep cook typically ranges from $35,653 to $44,293, with a mid-range salary of $39,673.
The highest-paying cook position is typically the Executive Chef, who oversees kitchen operations and management tasks. While salaries can vary, a Prep Cook earns between $35,653 and $44,293, with a mid-range salary of $39,673. Executive Chefs generally earn significantly more, reflecting their extensive responsibilities and leadership roles in the kitchen.
A commis or junior chef is an entry-level cook who works under chefs de partie. The salary for this position typically ranges from $35,653 to $44,293, with a mid-range salary of about $39,673. This role is essential for gaining experience in a professional kitchen.
A second cook typically earns between $35,653 and $44,293 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $39,673. This range reflects the varying pay scales across different regions and establishments, providing a competitive salary for the role.
No formal experience is required to become a prep cook, making it an entry-level position. Familiarity with kitchen equipment and basic cooking techniques can be beneficial. The salary for a prep cook typically ranges from $35,653 to $44,293, with a mid-salary of $39,673. Many prep cooks gain experience on the job.
As of January 2025, the salary for a Prep Cook in the United States ranges from a minimum of $35,653 to a maximum of $44,293, with a mid-salary of $39,673. This reflects a competitive pay scale, aligning with the broader culinary industry trends.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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