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Chef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

We're looking for a driven, detail-oriented Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team. The Role As Sous Chef, you're the Executive Chef's right handrunning the line during service, leading and ...

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

We're looking for a driven, detail-oriented Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team. The Role As Sous Chef, you're the Executive Chef's right hand-running the line during service, leading and ...

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$70K - $75K/yr

We're looking for a driven, detail-oriented Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team. The Role As Sous Chef, you're the Executive Chef's right hand-running the line during service, leading and ...

MOUNT VERNON COUNTRY CLUB INC

Sous-chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Join our dynamic culinary team as a Sous Chef, where your passion for food and leadership skills will help elevate our restaurant's dining experience. We are seeking a dedicated and ...

RIDGEWELLS INC

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$52K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for managing the day-to-day food production for our high-volume ... Team player with a positive, helpful personality and strong employee-relation skills * Working ...

Primrose

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$50K - $60K/yr

Primrose, a French inspired restaurant in Brookland, is looking for a Sous Chef. We provide a warm ... Speaking Spanish is helpful but not required. Schedule: * Full-time, roughly 50 hours per week with ...

The Fried Rice Collective

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$60K/yr

Position Overview We're looking for a passionate, organized, and hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our breakfast and brunch kitchen. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, inspires ...

Revel Restaurant

Senior Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA

$55K/yr

We celebrate the wins, we help each other through the hard shifts, and we genuinely care about each ... The Sous Chef role is a serious one. You're the Executive Chef's right hand, you'll lead the ...

RIDGEWELLS INC

Pastry Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

POSITION SUMMARY The primary responsibility for the Pastry Sous Chef is to assist the Executive ... Works to help reduce accidents by maintaining a safe, hazard free environment, ensuring that all ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high ... Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Greater DC market!

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

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All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC

Chef Helper information

See Washington, DC salary details

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How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in Washington, DC is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.19 and $19.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and good communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

What is a chef's helper called?

A chef's helper is commonly called a kitchen assistant or line cook assistant. They support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks in a professional kitchen environment.

What are some typical daily tasks and challenges faced by a Chef Helper in a professional kitchen?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

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

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision in a fast-paced environment, and may need to follow safety and hygiene standards.

How much is the salary for a kitchen helper?

The salary for a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced helpers or those in high-cost areas can earn more. Overtime and tips may also contribute to overall compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington, DC are:
Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,025 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Sous Chef

The Park at 14th

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

NOW HIRING

Sous Chef

The Park at 14th 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Full-Time $70,000$75,000 / year

About Us

The Park at 14th is a high-design, multi-level dining and entertainment destination in the heart of downtown DC, overlooking historic Franklin Park. Our kitchen serves elevated American classics with bold Caribbean flavors in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. We're looking for a driven, detail-oriented Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you're the Executive Chef's right handrunning the line during service, leading and developing the kitchen team, and upholding our standards for quality, consistency, and cleanliness. You'll step in to lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence and play a key role in keeping every shift running smoothly.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and expedite the line during high-volume dinner, brunch, and late-night service
  • Supervise, train, coach, and schedule kitchen staff alongside the Executive Chef
  • Maintain quality, consistency, and presentation standards across every dish
  • Manage prep lists, station setup, and smooth execution throughout each shift
  • Oversee inventory, ordering, receiving, and help control food costs and waste
  • Enforce all food safety, sanitation, and health code standards
  • Run the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence

What We're Looking For

  • 1+ years of experience as a Sous Chef, or demonstrated capability to step into the role
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team under pressure
  • Solid command of cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen station management
  • Working knowledge of inventory, ordering, and food-cost control
  • ServSafe or Food Handler's certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary of $70,000$75,000 per year, based on experience
  • Shift meals and a vibrant, supportive team culture
  • Clear path for growth and advancement within the kitchen
  • A prime downtown DC location, easily accessible by Metro


The Park at 14th is an equal opportunity employer.