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Institutional Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Phsorg

Cook I-DCT

Danville, VA · On-site

$16.36 - $24.26/hr

Six months institutional cooking preferable All benefits-eligible Presbyterian employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term ...

JAMES BARRY-ROBINSON INSTITUTE

$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 ...

MASONIC HOME OF VIRGINIA

Cook FT

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

One year of experience with food service preparation, preferably institutional cooking experience is needed * High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred Physical Requirements * Ability to ...

MASONIC HOME OF VIRGINIA

Cook FT

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

One year of experience with food service preparation, preferably institutional cooking experience is needed * High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred Physical Requirements * Ability to ...

KINDERCARE

Cook at Red Mill KinderCare

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$14 - $16.35/hr

At least one year of institutional cooking -- food ordering experience highly desirable * Two or more years working with children, highly desirable * Must be physically able to use the computer with ...

VSL Employee Co LLC

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 ...

VSL Employee Co LLC

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 ...

OneSource

Cook

North Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... institutional setting. Preferred Food and Safety Certification. WORK EXPERIENCE: At least one year experience in Food Services industry providing meals in large quantities for residential facility ...

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 ...

Medical Facilities of America, Inc.

Cook Evening

Salem, VA · On-site

$16/hr

) Salem Health & Rehabilitation Center in Salem, Virginia is currently seeking a Cook for our Dining ... This position requires: 1+ year experience in food preparation in a health care, institutional, or ...

Trinity Services Group

Cook

Christiansburg, VA

$23/hr

Use kitchen utensils/equipment to cook food according to recipes. Use proper utensils to serve ... We require prior institutional food service or restaurant experience. Benefits We care about our ...

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All JobsInstitutional Cook JobsInstitutional Cook Jobs in Virginia

Institutional Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 an institutional cook?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional cook?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Institutional Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook I-DCT

Phsorg

Danville, VA • On-site

$16.36 - $24.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Location Address:

301 E Miel de Luna Tucumcari, NM 88401-3810

Compensation Pay Range:

Minimum Offer $16.36 Maximum Offer $24.26 Now Hiring: Cook I-DCT

Summary:

Participates in general food preparation and cooking of large quantities for hospital patients, personnel, and visitors Type of Opportunity: Full time Job Exempt: No Job is based: Dr Dan C Trigg Memorial Hospital Work Shift: 12 Hour Days (United States of America)

Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and cooks various foods for all meals, including snacks and nourishment.
  • Previews menus and work orders to ensure that food will be ready at required times.
  • Determines amount of food to be cooked.
  • Ensures that all food prepared meets existing standards for quality, freshness, taste, and appearance.
  • Prepares cold cuts, cheese, and dessert platters for lunch lines.
  • Sets up and serves patient trays in accordance with established schedule and procedures.
  • Maintains a clean and safe work area.
  • Plans and prepares meals for the following day.
  • Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.

Qualifications:

Less than high school. One to three years experience in quantity food preparation. Six months institutional cooking preferable

All benefits-eligible Presbyterian employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, group term life insurance and other optional voluntary benefits.


Wellness
Presbyterian's Employee Wellness rewards program is designed to provide you with engaging opportunities to enhance your health and activate your well-being. Earn gift cards and more by taking an active role in our personal well-being by participating in wellness activities like wellness challenges, webinar, preventive screening and more.


Why work at Presbyterian?
As an organization, we are committed to improving the health of our communities. From hosting growers' markets to partnering with local communities, Presbyterian is taking active steps to improve the health of New Mexicans.


About Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian exists to improve the health of patients, members, and the communities we serve. We are locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.

Our health plan serves more than 580,000 members statewide and offers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Commercial health plans.

AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.

We're Determined to Support New Mexico's Well-Being | Presbyterian Healthcare Services

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