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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We have exciting plans for continued development of the brand from a culinary perspective (and beyond), and now's a great time to jump on board! We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our ...

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We have exciting plans for continued development of the brand from a culinary perspective (and beyond), and now's a great time to jump on board! We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our ...

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our team. You'll have at least a year's experience at executing under pressure in a high-volume, full-service environment. You'll take pride in ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ACW Prep Cooks are given the authority to make decisions to produce products to and menu items, while following company procedures related to customer satisfaction, safety, and cost. The Prep Cook ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Washington, DC is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

Do prep cooks make good money?

Prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

How much do prep cooks make a year?

Prep cooks typically earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Many prep cooks are paid hourly, with wages often between $10 and $15 per hour, and may receive benefits or overtime pay based on the employer's policies.

What qualifications do I need to be a prep cook?

Prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions are often required. Some employers may also value food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Washington, DC?

For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,955 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ted's Bulletin

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Ted's Bulletin Hiring Event Thursday 1/12/23

Where: Ted's Bulletin Hiring Center at One Loudoun
20626 Easthampton Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147

Time: Hiring Monday thru Saturday 10am to 6pm


Description

Now hiring for all positions at our 7th and newest location in One Loudoun! Come Join our opening Team at One Loudoun and be a part of Ted's Bulletin.

Ted's Bulletin is well-known for Ted's tarts, boozy milkshakes and all-day breakfasts (which are all pretty great), but we're also much more than that. We run a scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients prepared onsite, offering a carefully curated menu of craveable American cuisine. We've recently enhanced our menu with the introduction of lighter fare, while retaining the classic items that our regulars have come to know and love. We have exciting plans for continued development of the brand from a culinary perspective (and beyond), and now's a great time to jump on board!

We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our team. You'll have at least a year's experience at executing under pressure in a high-volume, full-service environment. You'll take pride in consistently producing high-quality food for each and every one of our guests.

Our people are what make us different from other restaurants. We value our team members, because they are what cause our guests to return. Our management team is supportive, while also holding each other accountable. We hold ourselves to high standards, but also like to have fun. We treat our team members well, believe in a good quality of life, and recognize hard work.

In addition to a strong culture and a fantastic team, we offer competitive pay and a progressive and expanding range of benefits.

Ted's Bulletin is an Equal Opportunity employer.


Qualifications
  • A minimum of 6 months experience in high volume restaurant
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) encouraged
  • Certification in food safety and sanitation a plus
  • Able to follow recipes and instructions, including making conversions
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and proper handling procedures
  • Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of breakfast shifts, weekends and some holidays
  • Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure
  • High energy and stamina. Able to work within a fast-paced, highly mobile, yet small space environment
  • Able to stand, kneel, bend, and walk for up to 8 hours per day
  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Able to withstand temperatures up to 105 degrees
  • Able to communicate and understand the primary language of the work location
  • Ability to perform essential functions to company standards with reasonable accommodation