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Contract Cooking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Intrepid

Grill Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... cooking, including seasoning. • Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe. • Deep ...

Palmetto Goodwill Services

Be Seen First

Cook 2

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$19.82/hr

Prepares in large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, etc ... Must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance as stipulated by the contract.

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 ... cooking, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, seasons and cooks all cuts of various meats, fish ...

Intrepidgs

Grill Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... Performs food preparation work for cooking, including seasoning. Measures and mixes ingredients ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook

Springfield, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

Apex Placement & Consulting

Prep Cook

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Join a team where your cooking makes a difference every day! APEX Placement and Consulting has ... Contract-to-hire opportunity - you'll be hired based on attendance, performance and client needs!

Boar's Head Resort

Cook II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$18/hr

This position requires a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques and the ability to work ... 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

This position requires a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques and the ability to work ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

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 with Security Clearance

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Under a major Intelligence Community contract, IAP provides facility services including operations ... cooking, including seasoning. • Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe. • Deep ...

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

$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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Cooking JobsContract Cooking Jobs in Virginia

Contract Cooking information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Virginia is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract cooking?

Contract cooking is a service where a professional chef or catering company is hired to prepare meals for clients under a formal agreement. This arrangement can be for individuals, families, businesses, or large-scale events. Contract cooks may work on-site in private homes, commercial kitchens, or company cafeterias, providing customized menus based on clients' dietary needs and preferences. The service can be short-term, like for a special event, or ongoing, such as providing daily meals for a business or institution.

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

To thrive as a Contract Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often formal training or certification in food handling. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork help contract cooks excel in various kitchen environments and client settings. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, compliance with health standards, and reliable service delivery across diverse assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract cooks, and how can they be successfully managed?

Contract cooks often work in diverse settings, from corporate cafeterias to event venues, which means adapting quickly to different kitchens and equipment. One challenge is managing varying client expectations while maintaining consistent food quality under tight deadlines. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with both clients and team members are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building a reputation for reliability and versatility can also open up more opportunities for advancement and recurring contracts.

What is the difference between Contract Cooking vs Restaurant Cooking?

AspectContract CookingRestaurant Cooking
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, often temporary or project-basedSpecific restaurant or food service establishment
CredentialsCooking experience, food safety certifications often preferredCooking experience, food safety certifications typically required
Employment TypeTemporary, freelance, or contract basisFull-time or part-time employment within a restaurant
Industry UsageUsed by catering companies, event services, or food contractorsUsed within the hospitality and food service industry

Contract Cooking involves preparing food at various locations on a temporary basis, often for events or catering, while Restaurant Cooking is based within a specific restaurant or food establishment. Both roles require similar culinary skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

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

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Cooking job openings:

Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,277 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cook II

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$20.41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 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