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Cooking Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Hi, We are looking for a cashier with some light cooking for our convenience store in Fairfax Station. We are looking for a reliable person with great attitude and customer service. Cashier ...

Be Seen First

Hi, We are looking for a cashier with some light cooking for our convenience store in Fairfax Station. We are looking for a reliable person with great attitude and customer service. Cashier ...

Cook

Silver Spring, MD

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...

Cook

Takoma Park, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Maintains the correct temperature of all products during cooking, holding and serving. * Uses the appropriate production guide to maintain an inventory of all hot cook products. * Conducts opening ...

Cook

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

$18.15/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Chevy Chase is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Cook

Chantilly, VA

$12 - $15/hr

Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation. Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Benefits: Competitive Pay Flexible Hours Paid ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$10 - $16/hr

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 ...

Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must showcase great organizational skills. Must be able to ...

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Cooking information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in Reston, VA is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or private households. Duties typically include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may also be involved in menu planning, inventory management, and collaborating with other kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on time.

What are some common challenges cooks face in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in fast-paced kitchens often deal with high-pressure situations, especially during peak dining hours when multiple orders need to be prepared quickly and accurately. Maintaining consistency in taste and presentation while juggling various tasks can be demanding. Communication and teamwork are crucial, as cooks must coordinate closely with other kitchen staff and servers to ensure timely service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or handling special dietary requests can also add to the complexity of the role.

What is the difference between Cooking vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCookingFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationsTypically no formal certifications needed
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringFood production lines, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job DutiesPreparing, cooking, and presenting dishesChopping, assembling ingredients, basic food prep
Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood manufacturing, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants

Cooking involves preparing and cooking dishes, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Food Preparation Workers focus on basic food assembly and prep tasks, usually without formal credentials. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Cook, foundational skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and menu planning are essential, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for success in a busy kitchen environment. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.
What are popular job titles related to Cooking jobs in Reston, VA? For Cooking jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cooking jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cooking job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,018 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

After School Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking NOVA LLC

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 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
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.