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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Line Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Prep cooks assist in managing ingredient inventory by monitoring stock levels, rotating inventory to maintain freshness, and communicating with kitchen management regarding ingredient shortages or ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and quality standards - Assist with food prep tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, and marinating meats ...

Jobletics Pro Inc.

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Cooks

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $19.87/hr

Support kitchen staff and assist with other kitchen duties as needed Qualifications * At least 3 year of cooking or kitchen experience preferred * Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

People Inc

Assistant Cook

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $13.77/hr

The Assistant Cook supports the preparation, serving and clean-up of daily meals in accordance with federal, state and local food safety regulations. This role helps ensure nutritious, appealing and ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Grill Cooks

Bristol, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items ... Follow all company policies, procedures, and health department regulations * Assist with food prep ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Grill Cooks

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items ... Follow all company policies, procedures, and health department regulations * Assist with food prep ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Grill Cooks

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items ... Follow all company policies, procedures, and health department regulations * Assist with food prep ...

Amentum

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are responsible for preparing quality food and pleasing presentations, and meeting food handling and quality ...

Pae

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA

$13.50 - $18/hr

... assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are responsible for preparing quality food and pleasing presentations, and meeting food handling and quality ...

Westwood Country Club

Cook 1

Vienna, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... * Assist with Specials: Collaborate with the Chef de Partie and Sous Chef to develop and present daily specials, ensuring they align with the kitchen's standards. * Train and Mentor Junior Cooks:

Hunters Woods at Trails Edge

Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... Cook Qualifications: * 2+ year of cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar ...

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Cooks Assistant information

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$14

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Virginia is $14.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What is a cooks assistant?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooks assistant?

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooks Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Cooks Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,876 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Line Cook

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 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
  • Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored health and vision insurance
  • Professional Development

Role Purpose:
The role purpose of a line cook is fundamental to the smooth operation of a kitchen and the successful execution of a restaurant's culinary offerings
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic and Financial Responsibilities
    • Cost Control: Prep cooks play a role in cost control efforts by minimizing food waste and maximizing the efficient use of ingredients during preparation. 
    • Inventory Management: Prep cooks assist in managing ingredient inventory by monitoring stock levels, rotating inventory to maintain freshness, and communicating with kitchen management regarding ingredient shortages or excesses
    • Efficiency and Productivity: Prep cooks work efficiently to complete tasks within designated timeframes, contributing to overall kitchen productivity.
  • Operational Responsibilities
    • Ingredient Preparation: Prep cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients for menu items according to standardized recipes and specifications.
    • Recipe Assembly: Prep cooks assemble and organize ingredients based on recipe requirements, ensuring that all components are prepared and readily available for use during service. They measure and portion ingredients accurately to facilitate efficient cooking and plating during peak service periods.
    • Stocking and Restocking: Prep cooks stock and restock ingredients, supplies, and utensils in preparation for upcoming service periods. They monitor inventory levels, rotate stock to maintain freshness, and communicate with kitchen management regarding ingredient shortages or excesses.
    • Supporting Cooks and Chefs: Prep cooks provide essential support to line cooks, sous chefs, and chefs by ensuring that they have all necessary ingredients and mise en place (prepped ingredients) available during service. They help expedite food preparation and minimize wait times for orders by having ingredients readily available
    • Kitchen Organization: Prep cooks contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment by following sanitation protocols, properly storing ingredients, and keeping work areas clean and tidy. They assist with general kitchen cleanup tasks and equipment maintenance as needed.
  • Staff Management 
    • Quality Assurance: Prep cooks assist in maintaining high standards of food quality and consistency by ensuring that ingredients are fresh, properly prepared, and stored according to food safety guidelines.
Education & Qualifications:
  • Certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or Safe Food Handling 
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Physical Stamina and Endurance-ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks in a hot and demanding kitchen environment 
  • Desirable -  Culinary School or Vocational Training 
Experience:
  • Kitchen Experience: Previous experience working in a kitchen setting is highly beneficial for line cooks. This may include positions such as prep cook, dishwasher, kitchen assistant, or other entry-level kitchen roles. 
  • Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant.
Skills & Competencies:
  • Basic culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and recipe execution.
  • Food Safety and Sanitation Practices: Knowledge of food safety principles and sanitation practices is essential for line cooks to ensure the safety and quality of the food they prepare. Experience with food handling, storage, and hygiene practices, as well as familiarity with health and safety regulations. 
  • Recipe Adherence: Line cooks must be able to follow recipes accurately, ensuring that dishes are prepared to the restaurant's standards of taste, texture, and presentation. 
  • Desirable - Specialized Skills and Techniques: Experience with specific cooking techniques and cuisines can be advantageous for line cooks, depending on the menu and concept of the restaurant. 
  • Technological Proficiency
    • Temperature Monitoring Devices: Line cooks use temperature monitoring devices such as digital thermometers and probe thermometers to ensure that food items are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature for safety and quality 
    • Desirable -  Recipe Management Software: Line cooks may use recipe management software to access and follow standardized recipes for menu items. 
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: Head Chef/Sous Chef
Collaborates With: Management team, Administrative support
Supports & Engages With: Managers, FOH, BOH