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Cook Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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

Woodbridge, VA

$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

College Park, MD · On-site

$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

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.50 - $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

Herndon, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Part Time Cook Position!! Dulles health and Rehab located in Herndon, VA is looking for a parttime cook to work every other weekend. Essential job functions for the position: * Prepares or directs ...

Cook

Herndon, VA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Part Time Cook Position!! Dulles health and Rehab located in Herndon, VA is looking for a parttime cook to work every other weekend. Essential job functions for the position: * Prepares or directs ...

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

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

Sterling, VA

$15 - $17/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 ...

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 ...

New

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Reston, VA

$19 - $21/hr

Cook - Hunters Woods at Trails Edge Love making a difference in the lives of seniors? At Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, we are guided by our Core Values--Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and ...

Cook

Kensington, MD

$20 - $22/hr

Cook - Modena Reserve at Kensington Position Available: Full Time Love making a difference in the lives of seniors? At Modena Reserve at Kensington, we are guided by our Core Values--Compassion ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$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

Bethesda, MD

$22 - $24/hr

Cook - Modena Reserve at Bethesda Love making a difference in the lives of seniors? At Modena Reserve at Bethesda, we are guided by our Core Values--Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and ...

Cook

Herndon, VA · On-site

$15/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Mclean, VA

$14.25 - $19/hr

IAP is seeking a Cook who will prepare in large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, seasons and cooks all cuts of various meats, fish, and poultry.

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Cook information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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

$17.15 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description:
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 maintain proper product presentation, product quality, and cook time standards. A cook must adhere to all Greene Turtle recipes, plate presentations, and specifications.
Requirements:
• Prepare all items to Greene Turtle standards
• Practice safety and sanitation measures
• Understand food hierarchy and all sanitation specifications set forth by The Greene Turtle
• Assume 100% responsibility for quality of product served
• Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures
• Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food product at each station
• Completes all assigned prep work and properly labels
• Maintains a clean, organized, and sanitary work station
• Prepares items for grilling, frying broiling or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, seasoning, or marinating
• Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes
• Assist in food prep assignments during off peak periods
• Assist in dishwashing during off peak periods
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Assists with the cleaning, sanitation, and organization of the kitchen, walk-in coolers, freezers, and all storage areas
• Has understanding and knowledge to properly use and maintain all equipment in station
• Adheres to all shelf-life standards
• Uses all checklists for set up and break down of the kitchen
• Performs all daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning duties assigned by management
• Practices sanitary and safe food handling at all times
• Perform all shift change and closing duties
• Maintain performance standards and motivates team through positive role modeling
• Performs additional responsibilities, although no detailed, as requested by a manager at any time
Additional Info:
• Clean and neat appearance
• Adhere to The Greene Turtle uniform policy at all times
• This position will spend 100% of the time standing
• Able to report to work as scheduled
• Process strong customer service skills, ability to work in a fast paced team oriented environment
• Must be able to communicate clearly
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally