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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Childcare Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, family-style meals that ... Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high-volume ...

Bright Horizons

Childcare Cook

Reston, VA

$16.45 - $21.38/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume ...

Marriott International

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

... bar/lounge and employee cafeteria) and all support areas (e.g., dish room and purchasing ... of cooks and workers engaged in food preparation. • Demonstrate new cooking techniques and ...

Marriott

Executive Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

... and employee cafeteria) and all support areas (e.g., dish room and purchasing) as applicable ... Demonstrate new cooking techniques and equipment to staff. Setting and Maintaining Goals for ...

Marriott

Executive Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$69K - $88K/yr

... and employee cafeteria) and all support areas (e.g., dish room and purchasing) as applicable ... Demonstrate new cooking techniques and equipment to staff. Setting and Maintaining Goals for ...

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All JobsCafeteria Cook JobsCafeteria Cook Jobs in Washington

Cafeteria Cook information

See Washington salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,218 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

School Food Service Manager

Maschio's Food Service

Upper Marlboro, MD • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Maschio's Food Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Food Service Manager needed for School food service program in the Upper Marlboro, MD area. Monday through Friday, day shift 6.5 hours daily. No weekends, or holidays. Summers off.
ServSafe® certification a plus. Must be comfortable working in a fast pace team environment. Abe to obtain the proper documentation to work in schools
  • Over see cafeteria operation on a daily basis.
  • Food Preparation, and cooking experience.
  • Observe that the quality, and food safety procedures are being followed according to the NSLP guidelines.
  • Ensure that personal protective equipment is in use at all times.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
  • Prepare inventories, and month end paperwork.
  • Over see cafeteria staff, and staffing needs.

What Maschio's Food Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Maschio’s Food Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maschio’s Food Services is an industry leader in food service management specializing in K-12 nutrition. We provide the highest level of service for all school district food service programs with our experienced personnel. Our entire team of food service workers, school nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and corporate chefs, have contributed to making lunch the best part of the day for students. We have partnered with local farms to have dedicated farmland that grows produce solely for Maschio’s Food Services. Our Farm to School Program allows our students to enjoy fresh and local farm to school meals. Maschio’s Food Allergy Management Program is unmatched. Our team of registered dietitians will create a safe menu for students who have life-threatening food allergies or medical conditions. We are involved in various green committees and recycling committees. Our Sustainable Maschio’s Program can assist your school district to bring greater sustainability to your food service program.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chester, NJ, US

Year founded

1992

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