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Cooking Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Sous Chef

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Sous chefs often lead by example, demonstrating proper cooking techniques and maintaining high standards of food quality. * Staff Management * Training and Development: Investing in the training and ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Hampton, VA

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Norfolk, VA

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Hampton, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Tappahannock, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Franklin, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Norfolk, VA

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Petersburg, VA

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Kitchen

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, sauté cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

Dinebrands

Kitchen

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We're looking for talented Cooks: We offer great restaurant culinary careers for cooks with back-of-house cooking, chef, saute cook, or grill cook kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

... cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. * Apply * View All Jobs About O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar Want to be part of a team that's more like friends and family ...

Della J's

Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques and recipes * Ability to ...

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All JobsCooking Chef JobsCooking Chef Jobs in Virginia

Cooking Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do cooking chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking chef in Virginia is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cooking chef do?

A Cooking Chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting meals in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They often design menus, select ingredients, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Chefs may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their role is essential in delivering delicious, visually appealing dishes that satisfy customers. Cooking Chefs often work in fast-paced settings and need strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a deep understanding of food safety, and often a culinary arts degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Creativity, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges cooking chefs face when managing a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple orders during peak hours, maintaining food quality under pressure, and managing a diverse kitchen team. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges. Many chefs implement systems for prep work, delegate tasks efficiently, and foster a collaborative environment to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent quality.

What is the difference between Cooking Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCooking ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking certification or culinary degree often preferredBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often overseeing kitchen operationsKitchen station, focused on specific dishes
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, food service establishments
Job FocusMenu planning, supervising staff, quality controlPreparing dishes according to recipes and standards

The Cooking Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising kitchen staff and managing menus, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but the Cooking Chef often requires more experience and culinary education.

Can I be a cooking chef with no experience?

Becoming a cooking chef typically requires some culinary skills and knowledge, but many entry-level positions are available for those without formal experience. Gaining basic cooking skills, completing culinary courses, or starting as a kitchen assistant can help build the necessary experience to advance in a chef role.

Is 25 too late to become a cooking chef?

Becoming a cooking chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary field depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What type of cooking chef gets paid the most?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among cooking chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, extensive experience, and specialized skills, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing.
Cooking Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Sous Chef

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Fun and Exciting Work Environment
  • Culture & Community - engaging team events, monthly team recognition
  • 401k, Roth IRA
  • Financial Security - competitive salary, incentive bonus structure
  • Generous Paid Time Off Policies
  • Work-Life Balance - Flexible working schedule
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored health and vision insurance
  • Professional Development

Role Purpose:
The role of a sous chef at Uptown Alley multifaceted and pivotal to the smooth operation of the kitchen.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic and Financial Management
    • Menu Costing and Pricing: Sous chefs may assist in calculating the cost of ingredients for menu items and determining appropriate menu pricing to ensure profitability while remaining competitive in the market.
    • Inventory Management: They are often involved in managing inventory levels, monitoring food costs, and minimizing waste.
    • Waste Reduction Initiatives: They may implement strategies to reduce food waste and improve efficiency in the kitchen, which can lead to cost savings and improved profitability.
  • Operational Management
    • Problem Solving and Decision Making: Sous chefs are adept at troubleshooting issues that arise in the kitchen, such as equipment malfunctions, ingredient shortages, or staffing challenges. They make quick and informed decisions to address problems and minimize disruptions to service.
    • Equipment Maintenance and Safety: They are responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and knives. Sous chefs enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries in the kitchen, including proper handling of hot surfaces, sharp tools, and hazardous materials.
    • Health and Sanitation Compliance: Sous chefs ensure that the kitchen complies with health and sanitation regulations by implementing cleaning schedules, conducting regular inspections, and training staff on food safety practices. They maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
    • Food Preparation and Quality Control: They oversee food preparation activities, ensuring that dishes are
      prepared according to recipes, quality standards, and health regulations. Sous chefs often lead by example,
      demonstrating proper cooking techniques and maintaining high standards of food quality.
  • Staff Management 
    • Training and Development: Investing in the training and development of kitchen staff can improve productivity, reduce errors, and enhance overall kitchen performance, contributing to long-term financial success. 
    • Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Sous chefs conduct performance evaluations for kitchen staff to assess their skills, productivity, and adherence to kitchen standards.
  • Customer Service
    • Overall, sous chefs play a crucial role in the operational management of the kitchen, overseeing all aspects of food preparation, staffing, safety, and efficiency to deliver a positive dining experience for customers.
Education & Qualifications:
  • Certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or Safe Food Handling. 
  • 2-5 years of experience working in professional kitchens, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role. 
  • Desirable -  Completing an apprenticeship or culinary training program.
  • Desirable - A degree or diploma in culinary arts, culinary management, or a related field.
Experience:
  • A lead chef should have a strong culinary background with experience working in professional kitchens.
  • Experience in supervising a team of cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen assistants is valuable. 
  • Experience implementing food safety protocols, conducting inspections, and training staff on hygiene standards is essential. 
  • Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant.
Skills & Competencies:
  • Advanced culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and recipe execution across various cuisines and menu styles
  • Kitchen Management- strong communication skills 
  • Menu costing and pricing 
  • Desirable - Basic financial analysis and budget management
  • Desirable - Familiarity with the latest culinary trends
  • Technological Proficiency
    • Intermediate skills with Microsoft office, basic payroll and HRIS platform understanding
Personal Qualities:
  • Self starter- driven and motivated work ethic, the ability to be resilient, the ability to be adaptable, empathy, ability the strategic thinker, collaborative, customer focused, results-driven. 
Languages:
  • English
  • Desirable - Spanish
Department: Culinary Operations
Location: On-Site
Travel Required: No
Type: Full-Time
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Weekends, Nights, Holidays
Reports To: General Manager/Head Chef
Collaborates With: Management team, Administrative support
Supports & Engages With: Junior Managers, FOH, BOH