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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Retail Sales Consultant

Laurel, MD · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals. * Opportunity to be ... Minimum 2 years of sales, and/or chef/restaurant management experience, and/or related (Business ...

Wegmans

Entry Level Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$1.5K/day

EARN A BONUS UP TO $1,500! We're looking for entry-level leaders who are passionate and ready to ... Gold Pan Meals, Chef Eric (Video, Opens in Modal) Developing delicious meals Learn More * Meet ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Centreville, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Rockville, MD

$17 - $21.25/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Centreville, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited

Cook 1

Centreville, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited

Cook 1

Rockville, MD · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited

Cook 1

Rockville, MD · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

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Entry Level Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Washington is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $35.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chef?

An Entry Level Chef, often called a Commis Chef, is a beginner role in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, plating dishes, and learning cooking techniques. This role is a stepping stone for gaining hands-on experience and advancing in the culinary industry. Many Entry Level Chefs work in restaurants, hotels, or catering services while developing their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chef, you need basic culinary skills, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Experience with kitchen tools, food preparation equipment, and safe handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help you succeed. These skills ensure you can prepare dishes efficiently, contribute positively to kitchen operations, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and cooperation.

How much do entry level chefs earn?

Entry level chefs typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in smaller or less upscale venues and can increase with skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

How to get an entry level chef job with no experience?

To secure an entry-level chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in food service settings. Building a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and obtaining relevant certifications like food safety can improve your chances; some employers also value a positive attitude and reliability over experience.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for an entry level chef?

As an Entry Level Chef, you typically start by assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, but there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience and continued training, you can progress to more senior kitchen roles such as Line Cook, Sous Chef, or even Head Chef over time. Many kitchens and restaurants offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and sometimes tuition assistance for further culinary education. Demonstrating strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn can significantly enhance your advancement prospects within the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Aquatics Instructor

The Woodlands Retirement Community

Fairfax, VA

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Description

The Woodlands Retirement Community is seeking a motivated and engaging Entry-Level Aquatics Instructor to lead and develop an enhanced aquatics program for our residents. This is a great opportunity for someone beginning their fitness, recreation, or wellness career who is passionate about promoting health, wellness, and active living in a supportive community environment.

The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with seniors and creating a fun, safe, and encouraging atmosphere for residents of varying ability levels.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead group aquatic fitness classes for residents
  • Develop and enhance the community’s aquatics program with new classes and activities
  • Adapt exercises to accommodate different mobility and fitness levels
  • Ensure safety of all participants in and around the pool area
  • Monitor residents during classes and respond to concerns or emergencies
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of pool equipment
  • Collaborate with Activities and Wellness teams to enhance programming
  • Encourage participation and build positive relationships with residents
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Manager, Supervisor, or Administrator

Qualifications:

  • Entry-level candidates encouraged to apply
  • Previous experience teaching aquatic fitness classes preferred but not required
  • Experience working with seniors or in a healthcare/retirement setting strongly preferred
  • Current CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Energetic, patient, and dependable

Schedule:

Full-Time, flexible hours based on class schedule

Why Join Us?

  • Supportive, team-oriented environment
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wellness and senior programming
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents’ well-being
  • Positive and engaging workplace culture

The Woodlands Retirement Living is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Woodlands will not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classifications. Applicants will be required to complete pre-employment drug testing and a criminal background check. The Woodlands Retirement Community is a smoke-free and drug-free workplace and user of E-verify.

Company Description

The Woodlands is proudly owned and managed by the Bainum Family. With over 50 years of experience providing excellence in senior care, the Bainum’s vision for The Woodlands was to create a boutique style independent living community where neighbors and staff enjoy a genuine sense of connection. Here, you’ll discover a caring community that truly reflects the warmth and welcome that comes with being part of one big family.

Our main dining room is truly a restaurant-style experience with a full wait staff at your service and a wonderful selection of chef-inspired dishes to select from, including vegetarian, gluten free, vegan and heart healthy options.
We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this application!

Benefits
  • Health Benefits as low as $44.86 per month
  • Dental and Supplemental Insurance, Free Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Earn up to 17 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO) within 1st year
  • Time and a half for 6 Holidays
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Free Parking
  • Beach Condo
  • Direct Deposit