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Cooks Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Prep Cooks - Tatte Ashburn

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $22/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to help us open our Ashburn, VA cafe! Savory team members make all our dishes from scratch, with a deep commitment to uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. They are ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Chesapeake, VA

$16.50 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: DOLLAR TREE UPA, CHESAPEAKE - 31175001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Chesapeake, VA

$16.50 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: DOLLAR TREE UPA, CHESAPEAKE - 31175001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: DOLLAR TREE UPA, CHESAPEAKE - 31175001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: DOLLAR TREE UPA, CHESAPEAKE - 31175001 Workdays/shifts: WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Line Cooks

Colonial Heights, VA

$13 - $17/hr

Cooks It's not called Heart of House for nothing. The kitchen is where much of the magic happens ... You're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and jump in to help your Team. You show passion ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Line Cooks

Farmville, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cooks It's not called Heart of House for nothing. The kitchen is where much of the magic ... You're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and jump in to help your Team. You show passion ...

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How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Virginia is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook's Helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What are Cooks Helpers?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cooks Helper job openings:
Cooks Helper jobs near you
Prep Cooks, Line Cooks, Dishwashers - Tatte Clarendon

Prep Cooks, Line Cooks, Dishwashers - Tatte Clarendon

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Arlington, VA • On-site

$18.50 - $20.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Savory team members make all our dishes from scratch, with a deep commitment to uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. They are passionate about food and genuine hospitality, and work together as a team to prepare dishes in accordance with Tatte guidelines to ensure the highest quality while adhering to specific recipe and sanitation standards. We expect our savory team members to:
  • Have a desire to help where needed and work as part of a team
  • Possess a passion for cooking with a keen eye for freshness, quality and cleanliness
  • Live from Tatte's core values and help Tatte deliver on its mission
  • Have flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, holidays, & afternoons/evenings
  • (Ideally, team members also have at least 1 year of experience successfully working in a fast-paced kitchen)

Summary of Prep Cooks' Primary Responsibilities
  • Follow prep lists created by chefs.
  • Label and stock all cooking ingredients
  • Complete all tasks, in order, on the prep list from the Head Chef or other kitchen manager
  • Washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and meats
  • Measuring quantities of seasonings and other cooking ingredients
  • Adhere to all relevant nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards
  • Keeping track of ingredient inventory and collaborating with other kitchen and management staff to order resupply
  • Learn about the cooking methods and techniques employed in the kitchen
  • Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible
  • Supervising food and cooling room temperatures
  • Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen
  • Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise
  • Other duties as assigned

Summary of Line Cooks' Primary Responsibilities
  • Execute techniques under the direction of the Sous Chef and Executive Chef
  • Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality, and presentation standards
  • Prepare ingredients by portioning, chopping, weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients
  • Operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, fryers, and other kitchen equipment
  • Ensure the correctness of the temperature of appliances and food
  • Actively set up and break down workstation and prepare for an upcoming shift
  • Wash and disinfect kitchen, tables, tools, knives, and equipment
  • Follow all company safety and security policies and procedures
  • Ensure adherence to quality expectations and standards
  • Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise
  • Other duties as assigned

Summary of Dishwashers' Primary Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for proper care and maintenance of the dish machine
  • Must keep a clean supply of dishware, glassware, silverware and adequate supply of utensils and cookware throughout the shift
  • Must thrive in a fast-paced work environment while adhering to cleanliness and sanitation standards for the entire kitchen and dish area
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions/Working Conditions for all Savory Team Positions
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to grasp and reach overhead
  • Must be able to lift, move, and carry 50+lbs
  • Must be able to work 8+ hours a day on feet

Our Perks and Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay: Dishwashers earn $18.50-$20.10/hour. Prep Cooks earn $18.75-$21.00/hour. Line Cooks earn $19.00-$22.70/hour.
  • Health, dental and vision insurance for full time team members
  • 401(k) (with a vesting match)
  • Free employee assistance program services
  • Vacation Time (after 1 year of full-time service)
  • Paid sick time
  • Flexible schedule with no late nights
  • Free drinks and generously discounted meals
  • Exciting potential for growth

Join us on our journey to create something special!
Please note that Tatte is an E-Verify employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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