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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Herndon, VA · On-site

$13 - $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

Chantilly, VA

$12 - $15/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

Burke, VA · On-site

$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

Manassas, VA

$10 - $14/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

Dumfries, 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

Woodbridge, 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

Centreville, VA · On-site

$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

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

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

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

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

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship or at least 2 years' experience as a cook in a luxury establishment. * Proven cooking experience, including experience in a similar position.

Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of Falls ChurchJOB OVERVIEW The Cook uses their knowledge and experience in ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Fairfax, VA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

COMMUNITY NAMEThe Braddock GlenJOB OVERVIEW The Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Pasadena, MD

$14.25 - $19/hr

JOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food production to ensure the proper ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: OTHER

Cook

Oakton, VA

$14.25 - $19/hr

JOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food production to ensure the proper ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: OTHER

Cook

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of North Severna ParkJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: OTHER

Cook

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

COMMUNITY NAMEFox Hill Senior CondominiumsJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

COMMUNITY NAMEThe FairfaxJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Fairfax, VA

$14.25 - $19/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise at Fair OaksJOB OVERVIEW The Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Silver Spring, MD

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

JOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food production to ensure the proper ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: OTHER

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Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Washington, DC is $18.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 value diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and age typically does not disqualify someone from starting an apprenticeship in the culinary field.

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.

Is 40 too old to start an apprenticeship?

There is no age limit for starting an apprentice cook position, and many programs welcome mature applicants. Age can bring valuable experience and work ethic, which are beneficial in culinary apprenticeships. Employers often value diverse backgrounds and life experience regardless of age.

Can you do an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, an apprenticeship in cooking allows aspiring cooks to gain practical experience while working under the supervision of experienced chefs. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and often lead to certification or qualification in culinary skills.

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 cooking techniques can be helpful but are not always required before starting formal training.

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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Washington, DC? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
Cook

Cook

IHOP

Herndon, VA • On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


IHOP rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th 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.

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

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.

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 great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.


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