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Institutional Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Encompass Health Corporation

Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Richmond, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Aldie, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

JAMES BARRY-ROBINSON INSTITUTE

Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for food service and nutrition, especially those with experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional cooking. We offer a ...

New

Westport Healthcare

Dietary Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Previous experience as cook in healthcare or institutional setting * Knowledge of dietary requirements * Familiarly with food safety * Culinary background or certification from school or program

VSL Employee Co LLC

Cook - Full Time

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

VSL Employee Co LLC

Cook - Full Time

Henrico, VA

$13 - $17.25/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

Vitality Senior Living

Cook - Full Time

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

Vitality Senior Living

Cook - Full Time

Henrico, VA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

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Institutional Cook information

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$8

$15

$21

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional 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.

What is the difference between Institutional Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectInstitutional CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, prisonsSchool cafeterias, institutional dining halls
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, correctional facilitiesEducational institutions, corporate cafeterias

Institutional Cooks typically have culinary training and handle food preparation in large-scale settings, while Cafeteria Workers focus on serving and maintaining food stations. Both roles work in institutional environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Institutional Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or related certification. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and standardized recipes is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are valuable soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These abilities ensure efficient food service, compliance with regulations, and consistent meal quality in institutional settings.

What are institutional cooks?

Institutional cooks are culinary professionals who prepare large quantities of meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and other institutions. Their responsibilities include planning menus, following specific dietary guidelines, ensuring food safety, and working as part of a team to prepare and serve food efficiently. Unlike restaurant cooks, institutional cooks often follow strict regulations and standardized recipes to meet the nutritional and safety needs of large groups.

What are some common challenges institutional cooks face when preparing meals for large groups, and how can they be addressed?

Institutional cooks often encounter challenges such as managing strict dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, and preparing meals in large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency. To address these issues, cooks must follow standardized recipes, stay organized, and work closely with nutritionists or dietitians. Effective communication and teamwork with kitchen staff are essential to coordinate tasks and meet tight meal schedules.
What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Virginia are:
Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Encompass Health Corporation

Richmond, VA • On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Encompass Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 414 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

446th of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Cook Career Opportunity
Recognized for your culinary skills
Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who not only brings skill to the kitchen but also seeks a career close to home and close to heart. In this role, you'll be instrumental in preparing therapeutic and modified diets for patients. Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next chapter starts here. Welcome to a kitchen where your skills meet a sense of belonging.
A Glimpse into Our World
At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Working with us means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.
Starting Perks and Benefits
At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
  • Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
  • Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous education.
  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!

Become the Cook you always wanted to be
  • Apportion servings according to menu combinations or orders for patients.
  • Follow menus, recipes, and oral instructions in the preparation of various foods.
  • Serve appropriate portion sizes based on menu specifications.
  • Plan timing of preparation of the food to ensure food satisfaction.
  • Ensure satisfaction regarding taste, texture, temperature and appearance.

Qualifications
  • Possession of a food handler's permit, if required by state or county regulations.
  • Training in food preparation for therapeutic diets.
  • Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable.
  • Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines.
  • Flexibility in working weekdays, weekends, evenings, or night shifts to meet deadlines is expected.

About Us
The Encompass Health Way
We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification.

What Encompass Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Encompass Health logo

About Encompass Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Helping patients regain hope and independence, Encompass Health is a national leader in post-acute care. We operate rehabilitation hospitals in 36 states as well as Puerto Rico. Following the Encompass Way, we are driven by our core values: We proudly set the standard, lead with empathy, do what's right, focus on the positive, and remain stronger together.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

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