1

Cook Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Blue Ridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.Brief Description of Duties Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.Responsible to help ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Crew Member - Cook

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Cook Out | Immediate Openings Join the Engine of the Restaurant Are you someone who likes to stay ... Willingness to jump in and help wherever needed. Hard Work Ethic: A "can-do" attitude in a fast ...

Crew Member - Cook

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Cook Out | Immediate Openings Join the Engine of the Restaurant Are you someone who likes to stay ... Willingness to jump in and help wherever needed. Hard Work Ethic: A "can-do" attitude in a fast ...

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cook Helper information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Virginia is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

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 Cook Helper jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cook Helper job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in VA?

For Cook Helper jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,596 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Cook Helper

Blue Ridge, VA • On-site

Serrato Corp.
Education Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.

Brief Description of Duties
  • Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.
  • Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.
  • Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.
  • Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.
  • Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.
  • Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.
  • Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.
  • Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.
  • Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.
  • Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.
  • Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.
  • Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.
  • Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.
  • Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.
  • Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.
  • Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.
  • Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.
  • Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.
  • Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.
  • Works towards meeting performance standard goals.
  • Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.
  • Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.
  • Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.
  • Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Serrato policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates and abides by Serrato Corporation's core values and operating principles.
  • Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.
  • Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.
  • Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.
  • Knowledge of general kitchen equipment and appliances.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.
  • High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Experience

One to three months food service/preparation experience or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certificates/Licenses/Registration
  • NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Safe Serve.
  • Valid State Driver's License

Benefits Offered
  • Paid Short Term / Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance.
  • Health care insurance available (medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, HSA, and FSA)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Counseling Service Programs Available

Disclaimers
  • Serrato Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  • Serrato Corporation conducts background checks and drug screens.