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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Substitute

VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Prepares, cooks, and serves food in accordance with the menu. * Washes pots, pans, and other ... Performs other duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager. * Will be available to work at either ...

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Retail Cook - Full Time

Fishersville, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.62/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues (i.e ... The Retail Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of meals in a retail cafeteria ...

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

COOK

Danville, VA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful * Must reflect behavior, attitude, and ... Previous cooking experience required * Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful

COOK

Danville, VA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful * Must reflect behavior, attitude, and ... Previous cooking experience required * Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful

COOK

Danville, VA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful * Must reflect behavior, attitude, and ... Previous cooking experience required * Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful

Cook

Hampton, VA · On-site

Cooks shall perform work at the Crossbow Dining Facility and/or the Raptor Caf Expanded Flight ... Ability to handle moderate noise typical of a cafeteria setting. * Clarity of vision at 20 feet or ...

Cooks shall perform work at the Crossbow Dining Facility and/or the Raptor Cafe Expanded Flight ... Ability to handle moderate noise typical of a cafeteria setting. * Clarity of vision at 20 feet or ...

Cook

Hampton, VA · On-site

$19/hr

Cooks shall perform work at the Crossbow Dining Facility and/or the Raptor Café Expanded Flight ... Ability to handle moderate noise typical of a cafeteria setting. * Clarity of vision at 20 feet or ...

Cook

Hampton, VA · On-site

$19/hr

Cooks shall perform work at the Crossbow Dining Facility and/or the Raptor Café Expanded Flight ... Ability to handle moderate noise typical of a cafeteria setting. * Clarity of vision at 20 feet or ...

Showing results 21-40

Cafeteria Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in Virginia is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafeteria CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentSchool, hospital, or institutional cafeteriasRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced environment
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, or institutional sectorsHospitality, restaurant industry
Job FocusPreparing large quantities of simple, standardized mealsPreparing specific dishes quickly and efficiently

While both Cafeteria Cooks and Line Cooks prepare food in kitchen settings, Cafeteria Cooks focus on large-scale, standardized meal preparation in institutional environments, whereas Line Cooks work in restaurants preparing individual dishes in a fast-paced setting. The roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, kitchen safety, and knowledge of nutrition, usually backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, supporting both customer satisfaction and kitchen operations.

What is a cafeteria cook?

Cafeteria cooks are food service professionals who prepare and cook meals in cafeterias, often found in schools, hospitals, businesses, or other institutions. They typically follow set menus and recipes, cook large quantities of food, and ensure meals are ready for designated serving times. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and adhering to food safety standards. Cafeteria cooks usually work as part of a team and may have early morning or daytime shifts. Their work helps ensure that large groups of people receive nutritious and timely meals.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria cooks and how can they be managed?

Cafeteria cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they need to prepare large quantities of food within tight timeframes. Managing multiple orders and dietary restrictions, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating with other kitchen staff can be challenging. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and staying organized are essential for success. Many cafeterias also offer ongoing training to help cooks stay updated on food safety protocols and new menu items.

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Cook jobs in VA?

For Cafeteria Cook jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,579 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Cafeteria Lunch Room Monitor, part-time (3 hours per day)

Floyd County Schools

Floyd, VA • On-site

$6.7K - $12K/mo

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Classified - Position - Cafeteria Worker
Job Number 3700254061
Start Date
Open Date 12/03/2024
Closing Date
The main duty of the position is lunch room monitor. The person may be asked to both prepare and serve food.
Reports To Cafeteria Manager
Job Posting Link www.floyd.k12.va.us/employment
Salary Range: From/To
$6,763.00 - $12,268.00 180 days at 3 hours per day
Start Date Immediately
Cafeteria Personnel / Manager / Cook Dishwashing, Quantity Food Preparation, Sanitation, Serving, Foodhandler/Servesafe Card
Additional Job Information
If a sufficient number of job applications are received prior to the posted closing date, the hiring manager may review applications, schedule and conduct interviews, and make a recommendation to the Superintendent of Floyd County Schools prior to the posted closing date.