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Contract Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Cook

Springfield, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Southern Foodservice Management , a national contract food service provider, is looking for an experienced Cook . You should be committed to providing the best possible ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook

Springfield, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management , a national contract food service provider, is looking for an experienced Cook . You should be committed to providing the best possible dining experience ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook

Springfield, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Southern Foodservice Management , a national contract food service provider, is looking for an experienced Cook . You should be committed to providing the best possible dining experience for the team ...

Black Bear Talent

Cook

Fishersville, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

This position is initially offered on a contract basis, with the possibility of direct hire by our client contingent upon performance. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and cook meals according to ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Contract Line Cooks / Prep Cooks Location: Richmond, VA We are seeking skilled Line Cooks and Prep Cooks for contract positions in Richmond, VA. The ideal candidates will have experience in high ...

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority

Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.02/hr

Operates standard cooking equipment such as ranges, mixers, food choppers, deep fryers and ... Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the ...

Palmetto Goodwill Services

Cook 2

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$19.82/hr

Seasons and cooks all cuts of various meats, fish and poultry. Boils, steams or fries vegetables ... Must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance as stipulated by the contract.

Intrepid

Grill Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... IAP is seeking a Grill Cook who will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, grill, and ...

Intrepidgs

Grill Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... IAP is seeking a Grill Cook who will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, grill, and ...

Intrepid

Cook with Security Clearance

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... IAP is seeking a Cook who will prepare in large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Contract Line Cook Company Name: West Coast Provisions Location: Richmond, VA Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook menu items according to West Coast Provisions' recipes and standards. * Ensure the ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Contract Line Cook Company Name: West Coast Provisions Location: Richmond, VA Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook menu items according to West Coast Provisions' recipes and standards. * Ensure the ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Cook II assists with menu planning, maintains cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, and ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Cook JobsContract Cook Jobs in Virginia

Contract Cook information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract cook?

Contract cooks are culinary professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to prepare meals in various settings, such as corporate cafeterias, schools, hospitals, or private events. Unlike full-time staff, contract cooks work for a specific duration or for the length of a particular contract, often through staffing agencies or catering companies. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Contract cooks provide flexibility for employers who need additional staff during busy periods or special events. This role is ideal for experienced cooks seeking variety in their work environments.

How does working as a contract cook differ from a permanent kitchen position in terms of daily responsibilities and work environment?

As a contract cook, you'll often work in a variety of kitchens and settings, from corporate cafeterias to catering events, which means your daily responsibilities can change frequently. Unlike permanent roles, you may need to quickly adapt to different menus, kitchen teams, and management styles, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can sometimes involve unfamiliar equipment or workflows. This variety can be rewarding and offers opportunities to expand your culinary skills, but it may also require extra effort to adjust rapidly and establish rapport with new colleagues.

What is the difference between Contract Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectContract CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)Food Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedLong-term, salaried or hourly
Industry UsageEvent catering, hospitality, temporary kitchensRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

Contract Cooks typically work on short-term assignments in various locations, often for events or temporary projects, and usually hold similar certifications as full-time cooks. Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a single establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Contract Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Cook job openings:

Contract Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook I - FT - Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

Palmetto Goodwill
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Palmetto Goodwillexternal

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Palmetto Goodwill rating

3.8

Company rating: 3.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION - COOK I

JOB TITLE

COOK I

REPORTS TO

Project Manager

DIVISION

Contracts

FLSA

Non-Exempt

DOL OCC. CODE

07041

Summary

Independently performs moderately difficult tasks in preparing small quantities of quickly prepared food such as steaks, chops, cutlets, hamburgers, eggs, salads and other similar items. Excludes workers who exercise general supervision over kitchen activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strictly adhere to and prepare products according to the Armed Forces Recipe Service and the food preparation worksheet (NAVSUP 1090).

Ensure cooking items are available according to prescribed meal hours.

Maintain the cleanliness and operation of the bake shop/galley, and the organization of employee and client trainees.

Maintain all work areas, equipment and cooking utensils in a clean and sanitary condition. Inspect all food items for quality and appearance prior to serving.

Maintain proper levels of safety precautions in all activities you perform. Ensure all employees and client trainees meet all safety requirements. Report any failures of equipment and personnel to meet posted safety precautions to supervisors.

Report all inoperative equipment to the Cook in charge.

Ensure all Goodwill Industries and Naval policies and procedures are followed.

Other duties assigned by the Cook in charge and by the shift Lead Cook.

Qualifications

The employee must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with military personnel and other contractors. Must be able to read, write, and understand English and perform basic math calculations. Maintain the ability to think, react calmly and respond to emergency situations. Must be able to perform under stressful situations and respond to work problems. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level required in the contract and upon receiving clearance eligibility must begin work within 30 days.

Within 90 days of employment, must be able to obtain ServSafe certification.

Education and Experience

High school graduate. One (1) year experience volume food preparation.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to be able to stand walk for long periods of time; ambulate independently, bend, stoop, and balance; speck and hear clearly. The Employees are occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds and frequently required to lift and/or move up to

and more than 25 pounds.

Must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

What Palmetto Goodwill employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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