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Entry Level Culinary Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Bakery Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

As an entry-level hourly leader in our bakery, you'll join a dynamic retail environment that ... Learn More Wegmans Culinary Explore the many culinary career opportunities available at Wegmans ...

Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

The Chef role at Pinstripes is a hands-on, entry-level management position focused on executing ... Eagerness to learn and grow within a structured culinary development path Follow us ...

Chef

Rockville, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

The Chef role at Pinstripes is a hands-on, entry-level management position focused on executing ... Eagerness to learn and grow within a structured culinary development path Follow us ...

Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

The Chef role at Pinstripes is a hands-on, entry-level management position focused on executing ... Eagerness to learn and grow within a structured culinary development path Follow us ...

Server

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for professionals who are confident in their ... Collaborate seamlessly with culinary, events, and management teams * Maintain a polished, organized ...

This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for professionals who are confident in their ... Collaborate seamlessly with culinary, events, and management teams * Maintain a polished, organized ...

This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for professionals who are confident in their ... Collaborate seamlessly with culinary, events, and management teams * Maintain a polished, organized ...

Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

We believe in developing our team members, with many of our supervisors starting in entry-level ... The ideal candidate will have strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work ...

Cook

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $20/hr

We believe in developing our team members, with many of our supervisors starting in entry-level ... The ideal candidate will have strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work ...

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Entry Level Culinary information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$19

$35

How much do entry level culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level culinary in Reston, VA is $19.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Culinary professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Culinary professional, a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation is essential, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools, knives, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, efficient kitchen and delivering high-quality dishes to customers.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level culinary professionals in a commercial kitchen?

Entry-level culinary professionals often find the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen challenging, especially during peak service hours when multitasking is essential. Adapting to strict hygiene standards, learning efficient prep techniques, and communicating effectively with the kitchen team are also common hurdles. However, with time and practice, many newcomers quickly develop the stamina, organizational skills, and teamwork necessary to thrive and advance in the culinary industry.

What are entry level culinary jobs?

Entry level culinary jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no prior professional kitchen experience. These roles often include responsibilities such as food preparation, assisting chefs, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. Common job titles include prep cook, line cook, dishwasher, or kitchen assistant. Entry level culinary jobs are a great way to learn basic kitchen skills, gain hands-on experience, and start a career in the culinary field. Advancement is possible with experience, training, and dedication.

What is the difference between Entry Level Culinary vs Entry Level Cook?

AspectEntry Level CulinaryEntry Level Cook
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary school preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training beneficial
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesKitchen settings in restaurants, cafes, hotels
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesPrimarily used in restaurant kitchens and food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring entry-level culinary roles and career pathsIndividuals seeking basic cooking positions in food service

Entry Level Culinary and Entry Level Cook roles often overlap, with both requiring similar credentials and work environments. The term 'Entry Level Culinary' may encompass a broader range of food service positions, including prep cooks and kitchen assistants, while 'Entry Level Cook' specifically refers to basic cooking roles. Both are ideal starting points for those interested in a culinary career in hospitality settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Culinary jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Culinary jobs in Reston, VA are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Culinary job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,011 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Entry Level Kitchen Position, One Loudoun

DIG INN

Ashburn, VA

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

CHEF-IN-TRAINING

[Restaurant Team Member]

$16 - $18 / hour depending on experience + $2-3/hour in tips + MORE BENEFITS!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The next generation of chefs are evolving in DIG restaurants.

Our scratch based kitchens are built around people with a true passion for real good food.  We teach individuals who are excited to share their enthusiasm for food and transform them into skilled chefs. You will advance and gain the ability to work with food, develop leadership skills, and stay sharp in our fast-pace culinary environment. If you are seeking a community where education, purpose, and taste matter, we encourage you to join our fa(r)m.

YOU WILL: 

  • Prep, mix, and cook vegetables, proteins, grains etc using recipes as a guide and taste buds for validation. 
  • Gain exposure to different stations within the DIG kitchen including but not limited to garde manger, grill, roast, market line, guest concierge and delivery/packout.
  • Speak to current menu offerings, seasonality, and ingredients with guests - making their day as you provide them with a delicious scratch-made meal (aka: marketbowl).
  • Work to support the team during peak and off peak service, by pitching in wherever and whenever necessary.
  • Multi-task and move in the kitchen for extended periods of time. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Help to maintain the “A” lettergrade by following Department of Health and DIG food safety standards. 
  • Demonstrate professional maturity and strictly uphold DIG’s anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policies. 
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing you are a part of a bigger mission to rebuild the food system.

YOU HAVE: 

  • A passion for real, good food and a desire to learn culinary practices and skills. 
  • The ability to demonstrate and execute a strong work ethic.
  • The ability to perform physical requirements of the position (frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds). These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The ability to perform other physical requirements such as seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • A team-oriented focus. You have a deep appreciation for the people you work with and help to support the restaurant’s success. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences.
  • An eye for detail and solving challenges. 
  • A desire for growth in our brigade.

WORK PERKS: 

Aside from the standard job description fare (competitive pay) we also offer:

  • Opportunities for GROWTH in a TEAM environment
  • Competitive Pay & potential to earn tips
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K programming
  • Parental leave
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays Off
  • Flexible Scheduling: Part Time and Full Time Hours
  • Complimentary DIG lunch everyday
  • Commuter Benefits

ABOUT US:  To learn more about our mission and food please visit our website at: https://www.diginn.com/mission

NOTE:  DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply

Additional Role Note: 

The duties of this position may change from time to time. DIG  reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Dig or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

DIG  is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under the New York State Human Rights Law, caregiver or partnership status as those terms are defined under the New York City Human Rights Law (if you are employed in New York City) or other protected status or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law (“Protected Status”).