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Cooker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Huddle House

Cook

Bedford, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cantina Laredo

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

BOTH, Inc. dba Golden Corral

Cooks

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

BOTH, Inc. dba Golden Corral

Cook

Ruther Glen, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

Golden Corral

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

Golden Corral

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$12.41 - $16/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

BOTH, Inc. dba Golden Corral

Cook

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

Golden Corral

Cooks

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

IHOP

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$12 - $16.25/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 ...

IHOP

Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$12 - $16.25/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 ...

IHOP

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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Cooker information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$18

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How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Virginia is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cooker (Chef or Cook), you need a solid understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through culinary school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality dishes, and a safe dining environment for customers.

What is the difference between Cooker vs Chef?

AspectCookerChef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes certifications in food safetyFormal culinary education or extensive experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing and cooking food according to recipesOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, supervising cooks

The main difference between a Cooker and a Chef lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cooker typically focuses on preparing and cooking food, often with basic skills and certifications. A Chef, on the other hand, has advanced culinary training, oversees kitchen operations, and is responsible for menu development. While both work in similar environments, the Chef's role is more managerial and creative, whereas the Cooker primarily executes cooking tasks.

What are some common challenges a professional cooker faces in a high-volume kitchen, and how can they be managed?

In a high-volume kitchen, cookers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling pressure during peak service hours. To manage these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with kitchen staff, and stay calm under pressure. Many successful cookers also rely on prep work and mise en place to streamline service and ensure a smooth workflow. Building good relationships with team members helps foster a supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together.

What does a cooker do?

A cooker, often referred to as a cook or chef, is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring and mixing ingredients, monitoring food while it cooks, and ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and presentation. Cookers also maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to food safety standards. Depending on the workplace, their responsibilities may range from simple food preparation to creating complex dishes.
What are popular job titles related to Cooker jobs in Virginia? For Cooker jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooker jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cooker job openings:
Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,458 per year, or $19 per hour.
Protein Conversion Cooker Operator - 3rd SHIFT

Protein Conversion Cooker Operator - 3rd SHIFT

Pilgrim's

Edinburg, VA

$20.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago

Pilgrim's rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

325th of 401 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description

Job Title:   Protein Conversion Cooker Operator – 3rd Shift  
 
  
Monday- Friday 10:00pm- 6:30am
Weekends & Overtime as needed 
Location:   Edinburg, VA Protein Conversion
Position Summary: 
 
Individual will be responsible for operating cooker and daily cleaning.  Will include learning all job responsibilities within the production department.
 
 
Education and Experience Requirements: 
High school diploma preferred but not required. 
  
Skill Summary: 
Able to lift 75 pounds easily. 
Able to work in extreme conditions. 
Able to work well independently. 
Able to work overtime and weekends as needed. 
Must have an excellent attendance and work record.
Valid Driver's License
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

·         Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;

·         Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;

·         401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule

·         Base hourly range of $20.95 depending on placement testing results

·         Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.

 

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.

EOE, including disability/vets 
  
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE www.pilgrims.com .    
Applications will be reviewed in the order in   
 which they are received.    

What Pilgrim's employees say

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About Pilgrim's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pilgrim's is a leading global provider of high-quality food products, including well-recognized brands and value-added premium products. As one of the world's largest poultry producers, Pilgrim's has provided wholesome, quality products to customers and consumers for more than seven decades. It's our passion for excellence that continues to drive us to be the best, and we seek opportunities to diversify and grow.

Industry

Animal farming

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greeley, CO, US

Year founded

1946

Social media

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