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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Cook

Forestville, MD

$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

$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

Forestville, MD · 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

$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

Forestville, MD · 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 - Dinner/Close Shift

Bowie, MD · 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 - Dinner/Close Shift

Gambrills, MD

$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 - Dinner/Close Shift

Gambrills, MD · 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 - Late Night Shift

Glen Burnie, MD

$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 - Late Night Shift

Columbia, MD

$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 - Late Night Shift

Columbia, MD · 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 - Late Night Shift

Sterling, 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 - Dinner/Close Shift

Bowie, MD

$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 - Late Night Shift

Sterling, 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 - Late Night Shift

Columbia, MD

$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 - Late Night Shift

Glen Burnie, MD · 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 - Dinner/Close Shift

Bowie, MD · 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Washington, DC is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $20.53 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,930 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Cook 1 - Entry Level

Grand Hyatt Washington

Washington, DC

$22.69 - $25.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Join us for this incredible opportunity to be part of our Culinary team at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel located in downtown Washington, D.C. Not only will you be part of a great team, you will also be part of a company that is one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, for several years running!
This entry-level Cook position requires good communication and basic culinary skills. The desired candidate will have some professional cooking experience, knowledge of cooking ingredients, and procedures. We are looking for someone with the flexibility to work any day of the week including weekends and holidays, any time between 5:00am - 11:30pm.
The hourly rate for this position is $22.69, increasing to $25.47 after six months.
Benefits available with this position include:
  • Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
  • 401k
  • Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick days, new child leave, and holidays
  • Paid Family Bonding Time and Adoption Assistance

Additional perks include:
  • Free room nights after 90 days, discounted and friends & family room rates immediately
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Free meal during the workday
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Discounts at various retailers
  • Growth potential locally and throughout the country

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Apply