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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Luminis Health

Cook

Annapolis, MD

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Luminis Health

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Luminis Health

Cook FT

Annapolis, MD

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Luminis Health

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Luminis Health

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Luminis Health

Cook FT

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria. * Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities. * Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

COOK

Columbia, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Cook prepares food which is nutritious and appetizing in accordance with requirements of the ... Also, food items for the cafeteria. * Responsible for maintaining accurate records of all foods ...

Johns Hopkins Health System

COOK

Columbia, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

The Cook prepares food which is nutritious and appetizing in accordance with requirements of the ... Also, food items for the cafeteria. * Responsible for maintaining accurate records of all foods ...

Hotel Zena

Line Cook Part-Time

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest ...

Hotel Zena

Line Cook Part-Time

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest ...

Hotel Zena

Line Cook Part-Time

Washington, DC

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest ...

University of Maryland Medical System

Cook

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Assesses the fluctuating census and cafeteria flow and adjusts production levels. * Makes ... Must have an understanding of institutional cooking in a health care facility. Experience is ...

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Cafeteria Cook information

See Washington salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in Washington is $17.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.86 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 WA? For Cafeteria Cook jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,218 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Cook

Luminis Health

Annapolis, MD

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Luminis Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Objective:

Prepare food for patients, visitors, employees, and special functions in accordance with special diets and general diet menus, using standardized recipes, following production and tally reports and using a variety of manual and electrical equipment.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Prepares food for patient meals and cafeteria.
  2. Prepares food for special functions and off-site facilities.
  3. Plans cooking schedule ensuring that all food meets time schedule requirements.
  4. Prepares the cafeteria cycle menu in conjunction with cafeteria attendants.
  5. Reviews special functions on the day of service with the catering hostess.
  6. Maintains a safe, sanitary, and cost effective work area daily.
  7. Operates all equipment and cutting implements safely.
  8. Trains new attendants on hot food production for patients and cafeteria.
  9. Tests new recipes being considered for inclusion on the menu.
  10. Uses patient census and previous cafeteria sales and forecast quantities of foods to prepare and items needing advanced thawing.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

The minimum level of education and experience for this position includes:

  • Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in quantity food preparation.
  • Must be able to read, write and make simple calculations and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Must be available for weekend and occasional evening work.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Formal coursework in cooking.

Required License/Certifications: 

  • None

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands - Heavy

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

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