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Cook Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$10 - $14/hr

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

COOK IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

COOK IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

COOK IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

COOK IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

COOK IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Rockville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $18-$21 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

As a Cook, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality food that meets our establishment's standards and satisfies our customers. You will be responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking ...

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Position Title Cook Purpose & Scope: Working as part of a team in the Food and Nutrition Services Department, the Cook will perform tasks such as cooking and presenting meals for patients, employees ...

Cook

Manassas, VA

$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 ...

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

Potomac, MD

$14.50 - $19.50/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

$13 - $15/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

Olney, MD · On-site

$17.15 - $30/hr

A cook is responsible for daily preparation of all food items at each station on the kitchen. A cook is also responsible for all assigned prep work and set up and close of each station. A cook must ...

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 ...

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Cook information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Reston, VA is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.75 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Reston, VA? For Cook jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cook job openings:
Cook

Cook

IHOP

Manassas, VA • On-site

$10 - $14/hr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 85 rated restaurants


Job description

.IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures according to company standards. IHOP Cooks are expected to set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area while maintaining company sanitation standards. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Cooks are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Paid Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

National Restaurant Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits

Paid Vacation

Regular Performance Reviews with pay increases 

Meal Program

Family Meal Discounts

Full Insurance 

Bob Leonard Scholarship Program 

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Paid Weekly/Direct Deposit

Title: Responsibilities of a Cook:

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

Cooking food using various culinary techniques.

Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Requirements:

Must have prior experience as a cook.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.

Must know and follow sanitation procedures.
Must showcase great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.


Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and much more. And no matter what menu items our customers order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile.
When you work for IHOP restaurants we encourage you to, “Be the pancake you wish to see in the world!” Being a team member allows you to be something more than just a traditional employee. You help create smiles for the future. Join a team that encourages building lifelong friendships and memories.


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003