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Assistant Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Moon Rabbit is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Assistant Pastry Chef to support the daily operations of our award-winning pastry program under the direction of Executive Pastry Chef ...

Responsibilities * Assist the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu development, food preparation, and plating. * Oversee and manage a section of the kitchen, ensuring ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

... assist teammates in the kitchen as needed, including handling duties of other stations (i.e ... restaurant and chef experience preferred -Culinary and/or college degree recommended with ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Prepare and plate food according to kitchen specifications * Assist Executive Chef with kitchen operations with a goal of increasing revenue and profit * Supervise and coordinate all food preparation ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$29/hr

Ensure quality and timeliness of food production, using batch-cooking methods to maintain the quality and freshness of the product * Assist Director/Executive Chef with all aspects of production ...

... * Assist with tracking and controlling food cost * Ensure effective communication of food ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff ...

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

... Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... You will oversee and assist the line cooks and kitchen staff, ensuring consistent quality in food ...

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

... * Assist with tracking and controlling food cost * Ensure effective communication of food ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff ...

Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Ensures excellence in guest satisfaction through commitment to a "Do Whatever It Takes Attitude" and a hands-on, lead by example management style * Assist the Executive Chef in the management of all ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not ... Provide training and development opportunities for new and existing colleagues * Assist in goal ...

Reporting to the Executive Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not ... Provide training and development opportunities for new and existing colleagues * Assist in goal ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Ensures excellence in guest satisfaction through commitment to a "Do Whatever It Takes Attitude" and a hands-on, lead by example management style * Assist the Executive Chef in the management of all ...

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... You will oversee and assist the line cooks and kitchen staff, ensuring consistent quality in food ...

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

... * Assist with tracking and controlling food cost * Ensure effective communication of food ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Chef information

See Washington salary details

$10

$23

$43

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in Washington is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an assistant chef typically collaborate with the head chef and other kitchen staff during service?

As an Assistant Chef, you play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef by preparing ingredients, ensuring stations are well-stocked, and executing dishes according to established recipes and quality standards. Collaboration is constant—clear communication with the Head Chef and other cooks helps maintain a smooth workflow, especially during busy service hours. You may also assist in training junior staff and step in to manage specific sections of the kitchen when needed, making adaptability and teamwork essential traits for success in this role.

What does a chef assistant do?

A chef assistant provides support for the head chef of a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or cafeteria. As a chef assistant, your job duties include managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen meets food safety and cleanliness standards, and helping kitchen staff with food preparation. The qualifications for a career as a chef assistant vary by employer, but typically include training from a culinary school, proven cooking skills, and experience working in a kitchen. You need strong teamwork abilities and a willingness to work a flexible schedule.

What is an assistant chef?

Assistant Chefs, also known as commis chefs or junior chefs, support the head chef and sous chef in a professional kitchen. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth workflow and may also assist in plating dishes and learning advanced culinary techniques. This position is often an entry-level role for those pursuing a culinary career, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and experience in a kitchen environment, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help in supporting the head chef and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining food quality, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced culinary setting.

What does an assistant chef do?

An assistant chef supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They often handle tasks such as chopping, plating, and managing kitchen tools, and may need basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety standards. The role typically requires working in a fast-paced environment and following instructions closely.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varyBasic culinary skills, often no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef, supports kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Assistant Chef typically supports the head chef and handles a variety of kitchen tasks, often with some formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes during service, usually with less supervision. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but Assistant Chefs often have broader responsibilities and may oversee Line Cooks.

More about Assistant Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Chef jobs in WA? For Assistant Chef jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,068 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Assistant Pastry Chef

Moon Rabbit DC

Washington, DC

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Moon Rabbit is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Assistant Pastry Chef to support the daily operations of our award-winning pastry program under the direction of Executive Pastry Chef & Partner Susan Bae.

This position is ideal for a talented pastry professional who thrives in a production-focused environment and takes pride in consistency, organization, and execution. The Lead Pastry Cook serves as a key leader within the pastry department, helping oversee daily production, maintain quality standards, support team development, and ensure every component leaving the pastry kitchen meets Moon Rabbit's expectations.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily pastry production according to established recipes, systems, and standards
• Assist in organizing and prioritizing daily and weekly production schedules
• Maintain exceptional product consistency, quality, and presentation
• Support the training and development of pastry cooks and junior team members
• Monitor station organization, cleanliness, labeling, and storage practices
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and product rotation
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership regarding production needs, quality concerns, and operational opportunities
• Serve as a positive role model by maintaining professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail
• Support service execution as needed while maintaining production responsibilities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2years of experience in a professional pastry kitchen; fine dining experience preferred
• Strong technical pastry skills and understanding of production systems
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to consistency
• Ability to lead by example and help develop others
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who notices the small things. They take ownership of their work, maintain high standards even when no one is watching, and find satisfaction in creating systems that allow a team to succeed. They are equally comfortable producing at a high level, coaching teammates, and ensuring every detail is executed with precision.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation based on experience
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
• Employee dining benefits
• Health benefits eligibility
• Work alongside one of the most acclaimed pastry teams in the country

Moon Rabbit is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all team members.

More detail about Moon Rabbit DC part of Doki Doki Hospitality, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/346547-Moon-Rabbit-DC