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Cooks Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill Cook

Waldorf, MD

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC

$16 - $20.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill Cook

Waldorf, MD

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will:

Grill Cook

Waldorf, MD

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will ...

Grill Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. You will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cooks Helper information

See Washington salary details

$11

$19

$24

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Washington is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cooks Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,664 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Grill Cook

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

CAVA is a fast-growing culinary brand with over 70 fast-casual restaurants and a packaged goods line dedicated to fresh, Mediterranean-inspired, better-for-you cuisine. Our mission is to fuel full lives through a bold and innovative food culture. From our restaurants to our Support Center, CAVA team members foster a culture of transparency, humility, positivity, thoughtfulness, and fanaticism.
Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics.
You will:
Observe food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures
Follow recipes and procedures to maintain food quality and consistency
Adhere to safety and sanitation procedures and all CAVA standards
Restock cook stations and keep them clean and organized
Stand and/or walk for an entire shift - This role is constantly in motion to deliver mind-blowing meals to our guests
You are expected to:
Develop Yourself & Others - Focus on self-improvement while also supporting the success of your team.
Put the Customer First - Consistently create CAVA fanatics by finding ways to say 'yes' to every guest.
Achieve Results - Take ownership of your station throughout every shift.
Foster Collaboration - Work with others to find success as a group through communication and participation.
Adapt to Change - Solve problems through an open-minded and all-inclusive approach.
CAVA offers all team members a clear career path that includes continuous training and development. We are committed to creating leaders in our restaurants by providing you the tools and mentorship to help you find continued success with us as a Special Ops Trainer, Culinary Lead, Guest Experience Manager, and beyond!
We also offer:
A competitive base hourly rate
A generous benefits package that includes: health, dental, vision, telemedicine, and pet insurance
401k enrollment with CAVA contribution after one year
Free CAVA food
Paid sick leave, parental leave, and community service leave
The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
Having fun is a must!
CAVA - joining "A culture, not a concept"


Cava Grill logo

About Cava Grill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cava Grill, located in Washington, DC, US, operates within the fast-casual restaurant industry. It offers Mediterranean-inspired food and is well-known for its customizable meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Cava Grill’s sound reputation is built on its fresh, locally-sourced, and high-quality offerings. Founded by three childhood friends in 2006, Cava Grill now operates more than 85 restaurants across the country, demonstrating impressive growth in a short amount of time. The company places a significant emphasis on its values of authenticity, positivity, curiosity, and purpose and has a clear mission to build a culture of wellness and empower mindful living.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2006