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Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA. * $21 an ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA. * $21 an ...

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA. * $21 an ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22.25/hr

The Line Cook assists in the preparation of food products, obtains necessary ingredients and cleans food-preparation equipment, utensils, and work areas. This position is located in the U. S. Naval ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.30/hr

Cook Job Summary Do you enjoy cooking and take pride in creating delicious, high-quality meals? Join the Dietary Services team at Manassas Health & Rehab Center , where every meal you prepare plays ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Cook responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals and special events for a private school located in Northwest Washington, DC.

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22.25/hr

The Line Cook assists in the preparation of food products, obtains necessary ingredients and cleans food-preparation equipment, utensils, and work areas. This position is located in the U. S. Naval ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill Cook At CAVA, we love what we do, and we try and make every day as fulfilling as the last. Our restaurants need team members to make the magic happen every day. Everyone matters and we're here ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA. * $21 an ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA. * $21 an ...

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Cook Location: Arlington, VA 22203 We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to join our team in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food preparation, maintain high ...

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Cook Location: Arlington, VA 22203 We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to join our team in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food preparation, maintain high ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22.25/hr

The Line Cook assists in the preparation of food products, obtains necessary ingredients and cleans food-preparation equipment, utensils, and work areas. This position is located in the U. S. Naval ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill Cook At CAVA, we love what we do, and we try and make every day as fulfilling as the last. Our restaurants need team members to make the magic happen every day. Everyone matters and we're here ...

Cook

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$15/hr

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Cook/Grill Operator to join our kitchen team. This role focuses on preparing and cooking our signature kabobs, fresh sides, and other menu items to ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.30/hr

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, dietary requirements, and food safety standards. You will work ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Washington is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Washington?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in WA?

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

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, cook, and present daily meals and special event food items following recipes and quality standards.

  • Maintain food safety and sanitation standards by recording temperatures, storing foods properly, and cleaning storage areas.

  • Assist in organizing production, forecasting leftovers, and attending meetings to improve efficiency and product quality.


Job description

 

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full Time Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting daily meals and special events at a private college-preparatory school located in McLean, VA.

  • $21 an hour
  • Availability during the weekdays and weekends from 10am-7 pm
  • Free Meals and Uniforms
  • Free Parking


What the Cook will do:   

  • Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, cereals, soups, sauces, fruits, breads, desserts, and other food items 
  • Prepare items in batches as close to serving time as possible to ensure quality and limit over-production using good judgment in timing to ensure service without interruption 
  • Follow recipes and recommend changes in recipes and cooking methods to improve products and ensure the highest quality food preparation and presentation 
  • Cook, maintain, and store all foods at/to the required temperatures 
  • Take and record temperatures, following all required food handling and sanitation standards to ensure food safety 
  • Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in efficient forecasting information 
  • Assist with the organization and sanitation of coolers, freezers, and storerooms: all items covered, labeled, and dated 
  • Attend production meetings daily, offering input concerning leftover utilization, efficiency, product quality, etc.  
  • Perform all duties in accordance with food safety and sanitation best practices 
  • Other duties, as assigned  

What the Cook will need:   

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 5 years of proven experience as a restaurant line and/or contract dining cook  
  • ServSafe® Certification and Allertrain or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment 
  • Experience with high-volume food service operations, preferably in school environments  
  • Ability to measure products and convert units of measure 
  • Knife handling knowledge and experience with braising, steaming, and roasting
  • High levels of professionalism, strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills  
  • Flexibility; ability to switch between locations and job duties  
  • Ability to work independently
  • Growing knowledge of sustainable practices 
  • Reliable transportation, as this account is not serviced by public transportation routes  

What the Cook will get:   

  • Competitive Pay, Uniforms, Meals, Training, Mentorship, and Benefits (Health, Vision, Dental, etc.)
      

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Cultivate your culinary skills with a value-based company that prides itself on growing great talent.  

Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page  

Enjoy a small, community-focused environment where you may grow your leadership and hospitality skills, and your career opportunities with an employee-owned, value-based company. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Metro DC market!

Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.