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Cooking Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Centreville, VA · On-site

$10 - $16/hr

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 ...

Cook

Burke, VA

$10 - $16/hr

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 ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Rockville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures ...

Cook

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Accountable for all aspects of assigned cooking stations to include set up, stock product, cook and present dishes according to Lazy Dogs recipes. * Ensure only "fresh" high-quality ingredients are ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

You will be responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking dishes according to recipes, and ensuring food safety and hygiene throughout the process. This position requires working efficiently in a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cooking information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Cook

Cook

IHOP

Centreville, VA • On-site

$10 - $16/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 85 rated restaurants


Job description

.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 terminology, plating, menu items and procedures according to company standards. IHOP Cooks are expected to set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area while maintaining company sanitation standards. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Cooks are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

Requirements:

Must have prior experience as a cook.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

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 multitask and act quickly.

Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Title: Responsibilities of a Cook:

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

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 Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

National Restaurant Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits

Paid Vacation

Regular Performance Reviews with pay increases 

Meal Program

Family Meal Discounts

Full Insurance 

Bob Leonard Scholarship Program 

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Paid Weekly/Direct Deposit

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and much more. And no matter what menu items our customers order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile.
When you work for IHOP restaurants we encourage you to, “Be the pancake you wish to see in the world!” Being a team member allows you to be something more than just a traditional employee. You help create smiles for the future. Join a team that encourages building lifelong friendships and memories.


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003