ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Savara Hospitality

Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cook position is an entry level cook who can operate at least one of 3 stations in the kitchen. Reliability and a willingness to learn are prerequisites. Duties/Responsibilities: * Set up kitchen

The Liberty Trust

Cook

Roanoke, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cook position is an entry level cook who can operate at least one of 3 stations in the kitchen. Reliability and a willingness to learn are prerequisites. Duties/Responsibilities: * Set up kitchen

The Liberty Trust

Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cook position is an entry level cook who can operate at least one of 3 stations in the kitchen. Reliability and a willingness to learn are prerequisites. Duties/Responsibilities: * Set up kitchen

The Liberty Trust

Cook

Roanoke, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cook position is an entry level cook who can operate at least one of 3 stations in the kitchen. Reliability and a willingness to learn are prerequisites. Duties/Responsibilities: * Set up kitchen

Raising Cane's

Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Falls Church, VA

$16.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Charlottesville, VA

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Bridgewater Retirement Community

Prep Cook

Bridgewater, VA

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

This entry-level position focuses on following recipes, preparing ingredients, and assisting cooks to ensure timely and efficient meal service for residents, team members, and guests. Schedule: Part ...

Massanutten

Line Cook

VA · On-site

This grade of Line Cook will have entry level experience and will seek to improve culinary skill sets. Required Excellent written and verbal communication skills Attention to detail and ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Morning Shift

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Chesapeake, VA

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Yorktown, VA

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Yorktown, VA

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Morning Shift

Richmond, VA

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, candidates should gain basic culinary skills through culinary school or on-the-job training, and demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important. Applying to entry-level positions and networking with industry professionals can improve chances of securing a first line cook role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher or prep cook to gain experience. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so demonstrating a willingness to learn and a good work ethic can help you get hired without prior experience.

How to get a cooking job without experience?

Entry level cook positions often do not require prior experience; applicants can improve their chances by demonstrating a willingness to learn, maintaining a positive attitude, and gaining basic skills through cooking classes or volunteering. Highlighting reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic during interviews can also help secure a job in a kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

Where to start as a beginner cook?

Entry level cooks should start by learning basic food preparation skills, such as chopping, measuring, and following recipes. Gaining experience in a professional kitchen environment, understanding food safety, and possibly obtaining a food handler's certification can help build a foundation for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook

Savara Hospitality

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for food preparation and presentation, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. As a Cook, you will collaborate with kitchen staff to create delicious and high-quality meals that align with our standards and delight our customers. A complete job description is included below.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, group life and long term disability insurance, Flex Spending Account and Dependent Care Account, Tuition and Student Loan Reimbursement, as well as 401(k) plan.
We are an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. This is a position which will require work on weekends, nights and holidays. Please, no phone calls about this job.
EOE/AA. We provide equal opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability.
Job Summary:
The Cook position is an entry level cook who can operate at least one of 3 stations in the kitchen. Reliability and a willingness to learn are prerequisites.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Set up kitchen
  • Restocking and maintaining cleanliness of kitchen area
  • Production of food products on station
  • Operation of relative kitchen equipment and tools
  • Breakdown and clean-up of kitchen
  • Washing dishes, pots, and pans related kitchen production
  • Ability to plate food products to specification
  • Follow departmental policies and procedures.
  • Follow all safety and sanitation policies and procedures
  • Sanitize all cleaning tools including mops, brooms, etc, at end of shift
  • Maintain a friendly and professional attitude when interacting with guests and fellow staff members
  • Assist other departments when needed to ensure optimum service to guests.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation procedures
  • Ability to follow recipes and culinary procedures
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Serve Safe Employee Certification preferred or achieved in first 3 months
  • Food and Beverage service experience preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to stand for prolonged periods
  • Able to climb stairs
  • Able to walk kitchen and service public areas
  • Able to twist, bend, reach and pull
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds

Apply