ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

$14.02/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 ...

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 ...

Palmetto Goodwill Services

Be Seen First

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.

Intrepidgs

Grill Cook

Mclean, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$18/hr

JOB OVERVIEW Cook II is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes in accordance ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Apex Placement & Consulting

Prep Cook

Harrisonburg, VA

$19 - $21/hr

Contract-to-hire opportunity - you'll be hired based on attendance, performance and client needs ... Minimum of 2 years of cooking experience, preferably in batch cooking, family-style restaurants, or ...

Amentum

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Pae

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Intrepid

Grill Cook with Security Clearance

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Cook JobsContract Cook Jobs in Virginia

Contract Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 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.

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 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook II

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$20.41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Cook II for our location at Fort Lee.

  • The pay is $20.41 an hour
  • Must be available to work a rotating schedule in a seven-day-per-week operation, including weekends and holidays as needed.
  •  Must be able to obtain and maintain access to the military installation. A valid REAL ID is required for base access. 

Job Summary

  • Prepare and Cook Main entrees and/or sides on the daily menu as assigned daily by Cook I or Management according to the daily menu's recipes strictly adhering to recipe cards.
  • Taste products for good quality / texture, not to be over salted.
  • Place all properly cooked menu items on serving line and garnish.
  • Check temperatures of menu items for required ranges and record on DA Form 7800.
  • Utilize progressive cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served.
  • Replenish food items in the steam tables or cold bars as required during service.
  • Assist on Food serving lines during meal service times.
  • Greet and care for our customers while working on the serving lines.
  • Break down service areas after the meal period ends.
  • Responsible for maintaining kitchen to Sanitation standards established by Company and Army Food Program.
  • Clean assigned equipment, kitchen, storage and serving areas such preparation tables, steam kettles, ovens, floors, steam tables, etc.

Southern Foodservice Management's Culture

We have a philosophy for each and every one on our service team to give something extra. A Southern Foodservice Management employee:

  • Exhibits a positive, friendly and respectful attitude towards, Supervisors, guests and other team members.
  • Arrives to work on time and in correct uniform, clean shoes, clean and pressed black pants and shirt, apron, name tag, and a SMILE.
  • Understands job duties and responsibilities, as well as having an eagerness to learn more and develop new skills.
  • Promotes a fun and efficient professional work environment, focusing on guest satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for proper preparation and cooking of specific menu items assigned by Cook I.
  • Responsible for correct quantities and quality of menu items assigned using Recipe Cards and Production Schedules.
  • Must maintain proper food safety and sanitation procedures in accordance with the Tri-Service Food Code, DA Pam 30-22 and HAACP.
  • Responsible for following proper safety procedures like wearing PPE to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Always conduct yourself in a professional and orderly manner in accordance with the SFM Code of Conduct.
  • Follow the direction of the Cook I in carrying out the duties and procedures as assigned.
  • All staff members are also responsible for other duties or tasks that are assigned by the Assistant Managers or Supervisors, as a part of any "Job" or "Position" assigned during a normal work schedule. Team members may be assigned to support the meal production, service and cleaning after the meal or the dining facility.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Strength: Lift up to 40lbs
  • Posture: Standing 80%, Walking 20%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy Lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Occasional
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent
  • Temperature Variation: Frequent

Apply