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Culinary Apprentice Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship or at least 5 years' experience as a cook in a luxury establishment. * Proven cooking experience, including experience in a similar position.

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$28.84 - $32/hr

Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship or at least 2 years' experience as a pastry cook in luxury establishment. * Proven pastry & bread experience, including experience in a similar ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Actively participates in training of culinary skills to junior staff and apprentices * Assist in creating and ensure adherence to standardized recipes and specifications in order to maintain ...

Actively participates in training of culinary skills to junior staff and apprentices * Assist in creating and ensure adherence to standardized recipes and specifications in order to maintain ...

Cook

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship or at least 2 years' experience as a cook in a luxury establishment. * Proven cooking experience, including experience in a similar position.

Cook

Washington, DC

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

High school diploma and culinary training, cooking diploma, apprenticeship, vocational training, technical school education, or equivalent experience. * Minimum of three (3) years of experience in ...

New

Steward

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship or at least 2 years' experience as a pastry cook in luxury establishment * Ability to communicate in English. * Ability to compute basic ...

Culinary school training or apprenticeship experience * ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification Physical Requirements * Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours per shift) * Ability ...

Cook

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Cook

Washington, DC

$16 - $21.50/hr

Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Cook

Chantilly, VA

$12 - $15/hr

Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$10 - $16/hr

... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ... Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Cook

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$10 - $14/hr

... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ... Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Cook

Lorton, VA

$10 - $16/hr

Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

Cook

Dumfries, VA

$10 - $16/hr

... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ... Cooking food using various culinary techniques. Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

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Culinary Apprentice information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

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$25

How much do culinary apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprentice in Washington, DC is $18.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a passion for learning, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and sometimes completion of a food handler certification are important for this role. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to take direction help apprentices excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for building foundational culinary techniques, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient kitchen operations.

What is a culinary apprentice?

Culinary apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to work in a professional kitchen, typically under the guidance of experienced chefs. They combine hands-on training with classroom instruction to gain a comprehensive understanding of cooking methods, food safety, and kitchen operations. Culinary apprenticeships are often part of formal programs that may lead to certification or qualifications recognized in the culinary industry. This role is ideal for those who want to gain practical experience while learning the trade. Apprentices may rotate through different kitchen stations, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and plating, while gradually taking on more responsibility.

What does a culinary apprentice do?

As a Culinary Apprentice, you can expect a hands-on learning experience that includes assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting chefs with various cooking and plating tasks. You'll likely rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a range of culinary techniques and cuisines. Apprentices are often responsible for ingredient measuring, chopping, and basic cooking, as well as learning proper food safety standards. Collaboration with chefs and other kitchen staff is key, and you'll receive ongoing feedback to help you develop your culinary skills.

What is the difference between Culinary Apprentice vs Culinary Intern?

AspectCulinary ApprenticeCulinary Intern
CredentialsOften requires basic culinary training or certificationMay have limited or no formal credentials, often students
Work EnvironmentApprentices work in professional kitchens, learning hands-on skillsInterns may assist in kitchens or food service settings, focusing on observation and learning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in culinary schools, restaurants, hotelsTypically found in hospitality or food service programs, internships
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level culinary training or apprenticeshipsIndividuals exploring internship opportunities in culinary fields

In summary, a Culinary Apprentice is usually engaged in structured training with hands-on experience, often requiring some certification, while a Culinary Intern generally focuses on observational learning, often as part of an educational program. Both roles serve as entry points into the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Apprentice jobs in Washington, DC? For Culinary Apprentice jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprentice jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprentice jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Apprentice job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,550 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Assistant Sous Chef

Compass Business Solutions, Inc.

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and passionate Assistant Sous Chef to join a prestigious and private members' club located in Washington, DC, servicing UHNW clientele. The club offers a refined dining experience to its distinguished membership. This role is ideal for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-touch environment and is committed to delivering excellence in every dish.Position Overview
The Assistant Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the daily execution of kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and sanitation. As a key member of the culinary leadership team, this role provides daily guidance to Line Cooks and Stewards, assists with menu execution, seasonal offerings, and event preparation, and helps ensure exceptional dining experiences for members and guests.Principal (Essential) Duties
  • Prepare, cook, and present menu items in accordance with established recipes, quality standards, and presentation expectations.
  • Assist in leading daily kitchen operations across ร  la carte dining, private events, banquets, and special functions while coordinating production and workflow.
  • Monitor food preparation, service, and equipment functionality to ensure consistency, quality, portion control, and adherence to culinary standards while reporting maintenance needs promptly.
  • Assist with menu execution, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and special event culinary planning.
  • Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation practices while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Monitor inventory levels, assist with ordering and receiving products, and support food cost management through proper product utilization, waste reduction, and inventory control.
  • Receive and inspect deliveries for quality, accuracy, and proper temperatures while reconciling invoices and ensuring proper product rotation (FIFO).
  • Participate in recipe testing, tasting panels, and menu development sessions, helping create standardized recipes and prep procedures.
  • Inspect plated dishes prior to service to ensure consistency, portioning, temperature, and presentation meet club standards.
  • Communicate daily shift priorities, menu updates, and service expectations during pre-shift meetings to promote efficient kitchen operations.
  • Conduct daily kitchen cleanliness inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation, health, and operational standards.
  • Provide hands-on leadership throughout service by supporting team members, resolving operational challenges, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
  • Serve as the kitchen leader in the absence of the Executive Chef, monitoring staff productivity and identifying staffing or scheduling needs.
  • Mentor, train, and provide day-to-day leadership to Line Cooks and Stewards by reinforcing recipes, plating standards, station responsibilities, and kitchen procedures while promoting teamwork and professionalism.
Qualifications & Experience
  • Culinary degree, culinary certification, or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of culinary experience in a luxury hospitality, fine dining, private club, hotel, or similar high-end establishment.
  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or kitchen leadership experience, including training, mentoring, and delegating responsibilities to culinary staff.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and kitchen best practices.
  • Excellent understanding of cooking techniques, ingredients, kitchen equipment, and food preparation procedures.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in job-related English.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts in a hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environment.
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to become part of a close-knit, high-performing culinary team within one of Washington, DC's premier private clubs. As an Assistant Sous Chef, you'll play a critical leadership role in delivering exceptional dining experiences while helping shape menus, mentor culinary talent, and uphold the club's commitment to culinary excellence. If you're passionate about refined cuisine, hands-on leadership, and creating memorable experiences through exceptional food and service, we invite you to apply.
The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $75,000 based on relevant experience.