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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Baker/Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In addition, the position will assist the cafeteria manager in all aspects of the operation to ... Ensure items are baked/cooked at the proper temperatures and the kitchen and baking equipment ...

US Department of the Army

Cook NA-04

Petersburg, VA

$19.60/hr

Work experience in preparing foods and cooking simple foods and short orders in a cafeteria, restaurant, or mess. * Demonstration of the following work behavior is desirable: * Neatness and good ...

Select Specialty Hospital - Richmond

Cook-PRN

Richmond, VA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Life

  • Retirement

Provide high-quality food preparation for patients and the cafeteria * Clean and maintain equipment ... One (1) year of cooking experience is required Preferred Qualifications: * High School degree or ...

Summit BHC

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook | Mountain Laurel Recovery Center | Westfield, Pennsylvania About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT ... cafeteria preferred. LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: * SERV Safe Certification or similar ...

Select Medical

Cook-PRN

Richmond, VA

$19/hr

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position: Cook Location: Select Specialty Hospital Richmond Schedule: PRN/Per Diem Compensation ... Provide high-quality food preparation for patients and the cafeteria * Clean and maintain equipment

Select Specialty Hospital - Richmond

Cook-PRN

Richmond, VA

$19/hr

  • Life

  • Retirement

Provide high-quality food preparation for patients and the cafeteria * Clean and maintain equipment ... One (1) year of cooking experience is required Preferred Qualifications: * High School degree or ...

OneSource

Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY OF DUTIES Under direction of the Program Director, the Cook plans, prepares, cooks, and serves meals to clients in a cafeteria setting. Maintains safety standards throughout all food ...

Riverside Health System

Cook

Mathews, VA · On-site

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Overview The Cook performs duties related to meal services to include preparation of hot and cold ... Serve on the patient tray line and cafeteria serving line using proper portion control and plating ...

UHS

COOK

Danville, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Responsibilities Dietary Cook Located in South Central Virginia, The Hughes Center is a highly ... Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful * Must reflect behavior, attitude, and ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... cook, specialty pizza prep etc ... Serve on the patient tray line and cafeteria serving line using proper portion control and plating ...

Riverside

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... cook, specialty pizza prep etc ... Serve on the patient tray line and cafeteria serving line using proper portion control and plating ...

Riverside Health System

Cook LLH

Newport News, VA · On-site

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Overview The Cook performs duties related to meal services to include preparation of hot and cold ... Serves on the patient tray line and cafeteria serving line using proper portion control and plating ...

Riverside Health System

LLH Cook

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Overview The Cook performs duties related to meal services to include preparation of hot and cold ... Serves on the patient tray line and cafeteria serving line using proper portion control and plating ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Position: Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime - 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt ... Proper sanitation and organization of Kitchen area/cafeteria. * Willingness to step into classroom ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt Supervised By ... Proper sanitation and organization of Kitchen area/cafeteria. Willingness to step into classroom if ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Position: Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime - 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt ... area/cafeteria. • Willingness to step into classroom if need arises. • Performing duties ...

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All JobsCafeteria Cook JobsCafeteria Cook Jobs in Virginia

Cafeteria Cook information

See Virginia salary details

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$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:

Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
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.

SY26/27 Cafeteria Manager II

Arlington Public Schools

Arlington, VA • On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description


Human Resources announces a vacancy for a 1.0 FTE Cafeteria Manager II. This is a Grade C-08 position.
Qualifications
Graduation from high school or possession of GED and considerable institutional food service experience, some of which shall have been in a managerial capacity at the level of Food Service Manager II; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform all job responsibilities.
Important Note: Must possess Arlington County Food Service Manager Certification.
Experience
  • Good knowledge of the procedures, practices, operations and equipment of institutional food preparation; including knowledge of the safe operation of a variety of household and commercial food preparatory equipment.
  • Ability to organize, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.
  • Ability to manage and participate in the storing and serving functions in a quantity cookery program, to promote the program, maintain food at required temperatures, and to operate cash registers, manage accounts, etc.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with students, parents, school staff, coworkers, and vendors with courtesy, tact, patience, and consistency.

Responsibilities
The following may not include all duties required to perform:
  • Plans and manages the receipt, storage, warming and serving of food delivered daily.
  • Works with central kitchen management to organize food and supplies deliveries, to resolve problems, and to obtain emergency supplies and assistance.
  • Plans cost-effective food service program, to include planning the ordering, inventory, portioning, and other aspects of assigned school food services operations.
  • Orders supplies via the central kitchen or directly from vendor for direct-delivery items such as dairy goods.
  • Supervises and manages food service, storage and cashiering operations.
  • Participates in internal and State Department of Health sanitation inspection.
  • Trains staff, assigns and inspects work, conducts performance evaluations, takes necessary disciplinary action, and maintains records of hours worked.
  • Works with school and community groups to organize and carry out food services for special events.
  • Represents school as needed with community and parents.
  • Maintains financial records.
  • Ability to manually move, shelve, stack, or raise from floor to table or serving area on, at times, a wet and slippery floor, heavy objects (pots, pans, trays, and food supplies) weighing up to 35 pounds; to stand for considerable periods.
  • Ability to work in areas which are often uncomfortable, warm, and noisy.
  • Must follow safety precautions to avoid injuries, minor cuts, bruises, burns, scalds.
  • Duties may require exposure to extreme temperatures, hot kitchen the walk-in refrigerator and freezers.
  • Performs related work as required or assigned.

Salary range based upon 26/27 SY Pay Plan.
Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations - Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability."

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