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Chef Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Goodwin Living

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Leverage your fine-dining experience to prepare chef-inspired, cook-to-order dishes that delight ... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ...

Goodwin Living

Cook (PRN/On-Call)

Falls Church, VA

$21 - $24/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plating prepared foods based on the chef's guidance. * Working with servers to ensure that orders ...

Goodwin House

Cook (PRN/On-Call)

Falls Church, VA

$21 - $24/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plating prepared foods based on the chef's guidance. * Working with servers to ensure that orders ...

Goodwin Living

Cook (PRN/On-Call)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plating prepared foods based on the chef's guidance. * Working with servers to ensure that orders ...

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All JobsChef Intern JobsChef Intern Jobs in Virginia

Chef Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$16K

$43.9K

$80.2K

How much do chef intern jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef intern in Virginia is $43,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,148.00 and $53,975.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef intern?

Chef Interns are individuals who are gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen as part of their culinary education or training. They typically work under the supervision of experienced chefs and kitchen staff, learning various cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and kitchen operations. Chef Interns may assist with tasks such as prepping ingredients, plating dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and following food safety protocols. This role provides valuable real-world exposure and helps aspiring chefs develop the skills needed for a culinary career.

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

To thrive as a Chef Intern, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety principles, and a willingness to learn, often supported by enrollment in or completion of a culinary program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and knowledge of food safety certifications such as ServSafe is beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a positive attitude help you excel in fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient kitchen operations, learning from experienced chefs, and building a successful culinary career.

What are some common challenges chef interns face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

Chef Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering time management, and maintaining high standards under pressure. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from experienced chefs and asking questions can help build confidence. Developing strong communication skills and being proactive about learning new techniques are key to thriving in this role. Embracing feedback and staying organized will help interns grow and succeed in their culinary journey.

What is the difference between Chef Intern vs Line Cook?

AspectChef InternLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or student statusRelevant culinary experience or training
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, learning-focusedFast-paced kitchen, production-oriented
Employer UsageInternship programs, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or entry-level job seekersCompared for hands-on cooking roles

In summary, a Chef Intern is typically a trainee gaining foundational skills in a learning environment, while a Line Cook is an experienced professional responsible for preparing dishes in a busy kitchen. The internship focuses on education and skill development, whereas the line cook role emphasizes efficiency and production.

Is 25 too late to become a chef intern?

There is no age limit to becoming a chef intern, and many programs welcome applicants of various ages. At 25, you can gain valuable culinary skills, certifications, and experience that can help you pursue a career in cooking or advance within the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:

Chef Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,864 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Cook (Full-Time)

Goodwin Living

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Elevate your craft, redefine your career: Line Cook at Goodwin Living

Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin Living, we're building a culinary program centered on a la minute fine dining for our residents, and we're looking for passionate chefs to join our team. This is your chance to trade the unpredictable hours and grind of the restaurant world for a fulfilling career with purpose, growth, and work-life balance.

This position pays $21/hr-$24/hr you should be available 11am-7pm and alternating weekends

Your mission: Create joyful dining experiences

  • Elevate the menu: Leverage your fine-dining experience to prepare chef-inspired, cook-to-order dishes that delight our residents every day.
  • Embrace 'a la minute' excellence: Maintain our high standard for quality, taste, and presentation, enhancing the daily lives of those you serve.
  • Cook for a purpose: Move beyond serving patrons to serving elders, an experience that our current team members find deeply rewarding and meaningful.

Your career: Built for growth and balance

  • Predictable hours: Enjoy a schedule that allows for a healthier work-life balance, with most shifts ending by 9 p.m.
  • Career advancement: Grow with us. We are committed to developing our team and offer clear paths for internal promotion, mentorship, and continued education.
  • Exceptional benefits: As a recognized Top Workplace, we offer competitive pay ($21–$24/hour) and benefits for full-time employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

What we need

  • Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience working as a line cook in a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Skill and precision: High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques.
  • Energy and passion: An energetic and proactive attitude with a genuine passion for food and people.

Celebrated as the #3 Top Workplace in the D.C. region for 2025 by The Washington Post since 2019, Goodwin Living is more than a team – it's a global family of individuals who represent more than 70 countries.

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

  • Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
  • Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
  • Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued. 

A sampling of our many benefits!

We’ve got you covered with incredible benefits, whether you work full-time, part-time, or PRN (as needed). Here’s a glimpse of what we offer to Full-Time team members:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • DailyPay: Work and get paid the same day!
  • Tuition Assistance for Career Development
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Financial assistance with U.S. Citizenship application or DACA Renewal
  • Tutoring for ESL, Citizenship Test & GED
  • Staff Emergency Grants
  • Retirement Plan- 401(k)
  • Free Meals, Access to a Fitness Center, Pool, and More

About Goodwin Living

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #2 in 2024!

Goodwin Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an AARP Employer Pledge Signer. We take pride in our inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters talent. With us, you are more than just a team member; you are part of a community committed to excellence and continuous learning.

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