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Culinary Arts Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Arts Faculty

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$1.4K - $1.6K/day

Culinary Institute of Virginia (CIV), The College of Culinary Arts of ECPI University, offers degrees designed to help prepare graduates to become responsible, respected, and valuable members of the ...

A.A. degree in culinary arts preferred * Effective communicator in verbal and written English * Five years of food and hospitality management experience (e.g., restaurants, country clubs, senior ...

Cook - Lead

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

We are looking for a leader and someone passionate about the culinary arts to join our Culinary team as a Lead Cook. This individual must have extensive experience working in a high-volume ...

Cook - Lead

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

We are looking for a leader and someone passionate about the culinary arts to join our Culinary team as a Lead Cook. This individual must have extensive experience working in a high-volume ...

Executive Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Previous experience in Peruvian culinary arts, cooking, and Jamaican related cuisines * Knowledge of cost and labor systems * Passion for food and cooking techniques * Strong leadership qualities

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Executive Chef

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$75K - $84K/yr

Over 5 years of experience in culinary arts * ServSafe Certification * Expertise in culinary techniques and menu planning * Proven ability to manage small kitchen teams

Urgent

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Executive Chef

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$75K - $84K/yr

Over 5 years of experience in culinary arts * ServSafe Certification * Expertise in culinary techniques and menu planning * Proven ability to manage small kitchen teams

Urgent

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Executive Chef

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Previous experience in culinary arts, cooking, or other related fields * Knowledge of cost and labor systems * Passion for food and cooking techniques * Strong leadership qualities * Ability to ...

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Culinary Arts information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do culinary arts jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary arts in Virginia is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is culinary arts?

Culinary arts refers to the practice, study, and skill of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This field encompasses a wide range of activities, from working as a chef in restaurants to creating new recipes and managing kitchen operations. Professionals in culinary arts may work in restaurants, hotels, catering, or even food media. The field requires both creativity and technical knowledge of food, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Culinary arts can be pursued as a career through formal education, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience.

What are culinary arts jobs?

Primary culinary arts jobs include chefs and culinary arts instructors. As a chef, your responsibilities are to prepare food at a restaurant based on the orders of a customer. Your duties involve overseeing food preparation within the kitchen, instructing others on how to cook or bake the food, and helping serve the meal once it is ready. In a culinary arts instructor role, you teach children or adults how to cook various meals, which may range from teaching basic meal preparation to making a full-course dinner from dozens of ingredients. Many teachers specialize in a specific culinary area and can work at schools, culinary institutes, or even prisons that offer lessons to inmates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in culinary arts?

To thrive in Culinary Arts, you need strong culinary techniques, food safety knowledge, and typically a diploma or degree from a culinary school. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in culinary arts, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in the culinary arts often face challenges such as working long, irregular hours, managing high-pressure environments, and maintaining consistency in food quality during busy service times. Building strong time management skills, staying organized, and fostering open communication with the kitchen team can help overcome these obstacles. Additionally, ongoing professional development and learning from mentors can enhance adaptability and support career growth in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Culinary Arts vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary ArtsPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry-specific certifications, baking degrees
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, cateringBakery, pastry shops, dessert stations
Industry UsageBroad culinary field, includes savory and sweetSpecialized in desserts and baked goods
Job FocusOverall cooking skills, menu creationPastry and dessert preparation

While Culinary Arts covers a wide range of cooking skills across various cuisines, a Pastry Chef specializes in desserts and baked goods. Both roles require culinary training, but Pastry Chefs focus more on baking techniques and pastry presentation. Understanding these differences helps aspiring chefs choose their career path based on their interests in savory or sweet culinary arts.

What are careers in culinary arts?

Careers in culinary arts include roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, and kitchen manager. These positions typically require culinary training or certification, strong cooking skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced kitchen environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Arts jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Culinary Arts jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Culinary Arts jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Culinary Arts job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Arts job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,082 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Culinary Arts Faculty

Glen Allen, VA • On-site


ECPI University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

559th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Uninterrupted breaks


$1.4K - $1.6K/day

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Compensation: $1,444 - $1,650 per course section. Compensation is determined by discipline, credential level, and course type. Ranges reflect good faith estimates based on current pay practices.
This is not a remote position. This position is based at our Glen Allen, VA campus location.
Transform your Career at ECPI University
Since 1966, ECPI University's employees have been dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals through our unique education model. Our culture is to prioritize our students' success through the support of our dynamic team and industry focused curriculum.
ECPI University provides a stable work environment, with professional growth opportunities, and competitive benefits. If you are interested in joining us in making a difference in students' lives, we would love to hear from you to discuss the opportunity.
Benefits of Employment
ECPI University provides comprehensive benefits for part-time employees or adjunct faculty, some of which are highlighted below:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Tuition scholarship program available to Adjunct faculty members and their immediate family members after one year of service and has taught at least seven (7) terms
  • Retirement plan
  • Health Advocate
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Discounts
  • IPad/Computer Purchase Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Are you upbeat, energetic, and passionate about the hospitality industry? Do you enjoy helping to transform the lives of others by listening, learning, and sharing your knowledge? If so, joining Culinary Institute of Virginia's team of staff and faculty may be the opportunity you've been preparing for all along!
Culinary Institute of Virginia (CIV), The College of Culinary Arts of ECPI University, offers degrees designed to help prepare graduates to become responsible, respected, and valuable members of the hospitality workforce. Programs offered, including Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Nutrition, and Food Service Management, reflect the dynamism and diversity of the food service industry.
Faculty members are responsible for delivering quality, student-centered, hands-on, active instruction in order to prepare our students for success.
Qualifications
Primary Responsibilities:
• Provide practical hands-on instruction to create an engaging learning environment.
• Employ instructional technology and active learning approaches in order to enhance the learning experience and achieve learning outcomes.
• Evaluate student academic performance using a variety of assessments and techniques.
• Participate in scheduled University activities.
• Stay current in subject matter through professional development.
• All other duties assigned.
Education/Experience:
• Associate's degree in Culinary Arts required, Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts preferred
• 2- 3 years of industry experience
• Teaching experience preferred
Skills/Abilities:
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Ability to work with a variety of learning styles and skill levels
• Strong time management skills and detail-orientation
• Working knowledge of computer applications and the ability to quickly learn new computer software
• Experience with distance learning or learning management systems (LMS) preferred
CIV is proud to be an Equal Opportunity 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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