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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Boar's Head Resort

Cook III

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$19/hr

This entry-level role is perfect for someone passionate about food and eager to grow their culinary ... If you're a team player with a love for cooking and a willingness to learn, we'd love to hear from ...

Donohoe Hospitality

Cook

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $20/hr

We believe in developing our team members, with many of our supervisors starting in entry-level ... Cook Position Summary Our cooks are responsible for meticulously planning, prepping, and setting up ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Hampton, VA

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Lexington, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Dublin, VA

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Chester, VA

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Staunton, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and friendly attitude * Teens welcome ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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, gain basic cooking skills through culinary classes or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Build a strong work ethic, demonstrate reliability, and prepare a resume highlighting any kitchen experience or related skills to increase your chances of employment in a restaurant environment.

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.

Is cook 1 entry level?

Yes, a Cook 1 position is typically considered entry-level in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as food preparation and following recipes, and often serves as a starting point for a culinary career. Advancement may require gaining experience and developing additional skills like knife techniques or kitchen safety certifications.

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 to learn kitchen operations. Applying for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you gain experience and develop necessary skills such as food safety and knife handling.

How much does a beginner cook make?

Entry-level cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, and experience in the 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Cook III

Cook III

Boar's Head Resort

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description:

We’re looking for a motivated Cook III to join our resort’s kitchen. This entry-level role is perfect for someone passionate about food and eager to grow their culinary skills. You’ll assist with basic food preparation, keep the kitchen clean and organized, and support the team in creating high-quality dishes that meet our resort’s standards. If you’re a team player with a love for cooking and a willingness to learn, we’d love to hear from you!


Essential Job Functions:

Food Preparation:

  • Assist with the preparation of ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, preparing meats, and assembling salads and appetizers.
  • Measure and prepare ingredients according to recipe specifications and chef instructions.
  • Help in preparing simple dishes and components under the supervision of senior kitchen staff.

Support Kitchen Operations:

  • Set up and stock stations with necessary supplies for service.
  • Assist in the preparation of food for banquets, buffets, and a la carte services.
  • Support the kitchen team in cooking, assembling, and plating dishes during service.

Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness:

  • Ensure that workstations, kitchen equipment, and utensils are clean and sanitized at all times.
  • Follow proper procedures for cleaning and maintaining kitchen areas, including dishwashing and waste disposal.
  • Comply with resort hygiene and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.

Inventory Management:

  • Assist in receiving and storing deliveries and ingredients.
  • Monitor stock levels and report shortages or discrepancies to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
  • Help rotate stock to ensure the freshness and quality of ingredients.

Food Safety and Sanitation:

  • Follow all food safety regulations and resort policies regarding food handling, storage, and sanitation.
  • Participate in regular kitchen cleaning and deep-cleaning schedules.
  • Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness standards in line with kitchen policies.

Other Duties:

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
  • Assist with kitchen prep work and close-down procedures at the end of shifts.
Requirements:
  • Knowledge of large volume food preparation.
  • Preferred at least 2 years culinary experience at a Four Diamond Restaurant/Hotel.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Basic kitchen organizational skills.
  • Ability to comprehend, read, write and speak the English language in order to communicate with co-workers and fully understand job assignments.
  • Basic knowledge in solids and liquids measurement units.
  • Ability to convert units of measure.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
  • Ability to work under pressure and remain calm.