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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Busboys and Poets

Dishwasher

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.95/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from ...

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Entry Level Line Cook information

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How much do entry level line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Washington is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level line cook?

Entry level line cooks are kitchen staff who assist in the preparation and cooking of food under the supervision of chefs or more experienced cooks. They typically work at specific stations, such as grilling, sautéing, or assembling dishes, and are responsible for following recipes, preparing ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness in their work area. These positions are often the starting point for a culinary career, offering opportunities to learn kitchen techniques and gain practical experience in a professional setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level line cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Line Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and common culinary tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, the ability to follow directions, and time management are vital soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen efficiency, food safety, and delivering a consistent dining experience.

What are some common challenges new entry level line cooks face, and how can they overcome them?

New entry-level line cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently under pressure, mastering kitchen equipment quickly, and accurately following recipes in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and actively seek feedback from more experienced cooks. Building good time management skills and being open to learning will help you adapt quickly and become a valuable member of the kitchen team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectEntry Level Line CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen stations during servicePrepping ingredients before service, often in a separate area
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, hotelsRestaurants, catering, hotels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Line Cooks and Prep Cooks both require basic culinary skills and work in restaurant kitchens. The main difference is that Line Cooks work during service at specific stations, while Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients beforehand. Both roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

How to become an entry level line cook with no experience?

To become an entry level line cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply to restaurants that offer on-the-job training and demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn during interviews.

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:

Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,301 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Dishwasher

Brookland - Busboys and Poets

Washington, DC

$17.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Please note that this salary range is accurate as of July 1st, 2024. It reflects our starting rate as well as the compensation for our most senior employees at this time. All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual increases based on performance assessments.
Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul. It is also a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide. We believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.
We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to work in a diverse space, where you truly be yourself, that serves delicious food? As a food runner/expo, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you’re looking for, we hope you will apply!
Job Type: Variable Pay: $17.50 per hour.
COMPANY BENEFITS
Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match 100% of 4% and 50% of the next 2% of contributions, 1 week sick leave per year, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more!
WHY WORK FOR US
Join a diverse space: 81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.
Grow with us: Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.
Work with latest technologies: Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast and much more!
Happy staff: Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.


Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.

  • Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.

  • Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.

  • Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.

  • Sweep or scrub floors.

  • Clean garbage cans with water or steam.

  • Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

  • Lift or carry heavy weight objects, such as trash bags or food storage containers

  • Other duties, as needed

Qualifications:

  • Must have weekend availability and work a minimum of 3 shifts per week

  • Must be able to work with a team

  • Must be able to follow sanitation protocol


Physical Requirements:

  • Spend time bending or twisting the body

  • Spend time lifting heavy weight

  • Spend time standing on feet for long hours

  • Spend time using hands to handle, control, or feel objects/tools


Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington and Takoma with more on the horizon!
We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.