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Chef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Truluck's

Sous Chef (Fine Dining)

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Our professional sous chefs help us deliver these core values to our guests and communities daily. Our mission is simple. We are here to make good things happen for other people. Who are you? We are ...

Truluck's

Sous Chef (Fine Dining)

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Our professional sous chefs help us deliver these core values to our guests and communities daily. Our mission is simple. We are here to make good things happen for other people. Who are you? We are ...

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 · 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 ...

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The hotel sous chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen. They work under the executive chef to ... help control food costs. • Assist with menu planning, recipe creation, and daily specials.

The Berliner

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$65K - $75K/yr

Working alongside the Executive Chef and General Manager, you will help build the kitchen from the ground up, establish operational standards, develop a high-performing team, and ensure every plate ...

Merriweather Lakehouse

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Position OverviewThe Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the ... Monitor inventory levels and help control food costs, waste, and portion sizes.Conduct regular ...

Merriweather Lakehouse

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Position Overview The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the ... Monitor inventory levels and help control food costs, waste, and portion sizes. * Conduct regular ...

Merriweather Lakehouse

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Position Overview The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the ... Monitor inventory levels and help control food costs, waste, and portion sizes. * Conduct regular ...

The Palm

Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're seeking a Chef who can support daily kitchen operations, ensure consistency and quality, and help develop a high-performing culinary team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, polished environment ...

The Palm

Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

We're seeking a Chef who can support daily kitchen operations, ensure consistency and quality, and help develop a high-performing culinary team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, polished environment ...

Sunrise Senior Living

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$53K - $72K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

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All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC

Chef Helper information

See Washington, DC salary details

$7

$18

$33

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

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?

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.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,025 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Sous Chef (Fine Dining)

Truluck's

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Since opening our doors in 1992, we have dedicated ourselves to creating exhilarating moments and enduring memories. To do so, we bring our core values to your table every day:

Culinary Excellence, Sustainable Seafood, Southern Hospitality, Company Culture, and Philanthropy are what make Truluck’s, Truluck’s.

Our professional sous chefs help us deliver these core values to our guests and communities daily.

Our mission is simple. We are here to make good things happen for other people.


Who are you?

We are currently seeking Professional Fine Dining Sous Chef candidates who will dedicate themselves to this purpose in joining our exceptional team of culinary professionals at our Truluck's DC location. Successful candidates will have a minimum of five (5) years’ previous culinary experience and experience in preparing culinary products, coaching members of the culinary staff and cooking in high-volume environments. The Sous Chef assists the Chef in the overall leadership of the culinary functions. In addition to this, successful candidates must possess the ability to follow all recipes and systems and have a proven history of professionalism, accountability, and team commitment. The ideal candidate will have worked in a similar fine dining steak and seafood kitchen. We are looking for enthusiastic chefs with the heart of a great kitchen manager. Someone who has the drive to be an executive chef in the future. If this sounds like you, we would like to meet you!


Why us?

Truluck’s puts their employees and quality first. At Truluck’s, we make choices that honor the plate, the palate, and the planet. We practice TRU Sustainability, by maintaining an unwavering commitment to serving the highest-quality sustainable seafood. We will never serve endangered, overfished species, and we always follow Ocean Conservancy guidelines. Our Florida Stone Crab is captured by our team of professional crabbers, and our produce is sourced from local growers whenever possible.

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