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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Burke, VA

$10 - $16/hr

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

Cook

Lorton, VA

$10 - $16/hr

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Every ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Our hotel is looking for a Cook who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. If you love ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook Overnight

Herndon, VA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Blacksburg, VA

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

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Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Virginia is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in professional kitchens. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may require a minimum age or prior food service experience. Apprenticeships help develop skills such as food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations.

What is a cooking apprenticeship?

A cooking apprenticeship is a structured training program where an apprentice cook learns culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation under the supervision of experienced chefs. It often involves hands-on work, skill development, and may lead to certification or qualification in culinary arts.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice cooks can be of any age, including 27, as apprenticeships are open to individuals seeking to develop culinary skills regardless of age. Many programs welcome mature learners who bring life experience and a strong work ethic, and age is rarely a barrier to entry in culinary apprenticeships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Apprentice cooks can often enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as programs are designed to teach foundational skills. Basic knowledge of kitchen safety, hygiene, and a strong interest in cooking can be beneficial, but formal experience is not always required for admission. Culinary schools typically provide hands-on training to develop necessary skills for a cooking career.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What are apprentice cooks?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Virginia? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in VA? For Apprentice Cook jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,745 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Cook

$10 - $16/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures according to company standards. IHOP Cooks are expected to set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area while maintaining company sanitation standards. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Cooks are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

Requirements:

Must have prior experience as a cook.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.

Must know and follow sanitation procedures.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.

Must showcase great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Title: Responsibilities of a Cook:

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

Cooking food using various culinary techniques.

Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Paid Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

National Restaurant Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits

Paid Vacation

Regular Performance Reviews with pay increases 

Meal Program

Family Meal Discounts

Full Insurance 

Bob Leonard Scholarship Program 

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Paid Weekly/Direct Deposit

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and much more. And no matter what menu items our customers order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile.
When you work for IHOP restaurants we encourage you to, “Be the pancake you wish to see in the world!” Being a team member allows you to be something more than just a traditional employee. You help create smiles for the future. Join a team that encourages building lifelong friendships and memories.


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003