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Cooking Helper Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

IHOP

Cook

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

IHOP

Cook

Laurel, MD · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

IHOP

Cook

Takoma Park, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Charter Senior Living of Annapolis

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others? At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food -- they help create meaningful dining experiences for our ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others? At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food - they help create meaningful dining experiences for our ...

DIMENSION MASTER

COOK

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You love the craft of cooking. You thrive in the rhythm of a busy kitchen, take pride in every ... You'll help uphold quality, consistency, and culinary standards. What You'll Be Doing * Prepare and ...

Dimension Hospitality

COOK

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You love the craft of cooking. You thrive in the rhythm of a busy kitchen, take pride in every ... You'll help uphold quality, consistency, and culinary standards. What You'll Be Doing * Prepare and ...

IHOP

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$10 - $16/hr

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. Cooking food using various culinary ... You help create smiles for the future. Join a team that encourages building lifelong friendships ...

IHOP

Cook

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. Cooking food using various culinary ... You help create smiles for the future. Join a team that encourages building lifelong friendships ...

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All JobsCooking Helper JobsCooking Helper Jobs in Washington, DC

Cooking Helper information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking helper in Washington, DC is $17.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooking helper?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Washington, DC? For Cooking Helper jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Washington, DC are:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,870 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

After School Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking NOVA LLC

Fairfax, VA

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what Kids Eat®?

SFC NOVA LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking for enthusiastic part-time Chef Instructors to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®!
Please note: At this time, we are only hiring candidates who reside in Northern Virginia. Candidates in DC and Maryland will not be considered.

If you're passionate about cooking, have experience working with kids, and are looking for a fun, flexible, and meaningful part-time job, we want to meet you!

Why You'll Love This Job
  • Make an Impact: Teach kids cooking, nutrition, and lifelong healthy habits.
  • Flexible Schedule: Classes are typically held on weekdays between 2:30–6 PM. Weekend classes are available occasionally.
  • Supportive Team: We provide tools, training, recipes, and ongoing guidance.
  • Fun Atmosphere: Create a joyful, hands-on learning experience for kids ages 3–18.
  • Year-Round Opportunity: This is not a seasonal role - Sticky Fingers Cooking offers classes throughout the entire year, including Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions.
What You'll Do
  • Lead Hands-On Cooking Classes: Guide kids as they chop, mix, measure, and explore global recipes.
  • Spark Curiosity: Introduce new ingredients, cultures, and cooking techniques.
  • Stay Organized: Prep for classes using our curriculum, shop for ingredients, and set up safe mini-kitchens.
  • Be the Magic: Encourage confidence, creativity, and independence in every young chef.
Who You Are

  • A Virginia resident, ideally near Fairfax, Centreville, Chantilly area
    (We cannot accept MD applicants at this time.)

  • Experienced working with children - this is required for the role.

  • Available at least 2 days per week, Monday–Friday, between 2:30–6 PM, plus one full open afternoon for substitute teaching when needed.

  • Punctual, reliable, and confident managing groups of 8–12 kids.
    Must arrive 15-20 minutes before class (varies by school).

  • Able to commit to 6–12 week sessions.

  • Have or willing to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification.

  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs and transport teaching materials.

  • Must have a reliable car, a valid drivers license and be able to drive to school locations.

  • Must pass state & FBI background checks.

  • An FCPS badge is a plus (not required).

What We Offer
  • Competitive Pay: $60 per class (each class includes approximately 90 minutes on campus) + food reimbursement
  • All tools & equipment provided
  • Ongoing training and support
  • A meaningful, joy-filled job that truly makes a difference
A Day in the Life

As a Sticky Fingers Cooking Instructor, you'll travel to schools around Northern Virginia to bring "the kitchen" to kids! Using our tried-and-true recipes, you'll teach essential cooking skills, food safety, and the cultural stories behind each dish - all while building creativity and confidence. Kids will have a blast... and so will you!

About Sticky Fingers Cooking®

Since 2011, Sticky Fingers Cooking® has brought the joy of cooking to thousands of children nationwide. We believe cooking should be fun, educational, and accessible, and our Chef Instructors make that possible every day.

Join Our Team + Get Kids Cooking!

If this sounds like your jam, apply today! We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to our team.

Meet some of our amazing Chefs here!


All Sticky Fingers Cooking® instructors must undergo a fingerprint background check with the state and FBI. Your employment is continent upon a clear background check.

Apply