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Institutional Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carilion Clinic

Culinary Center Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18.70 - $26.18/hr

R161219 Culinary Center Cook (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus Eligible ... Experience: 1 year of experience in commercial or institutional food preparation preferred.

Carilion Clinic

Culinary Center Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18.70 - $26.18/hr

R161219 Culinary Center Cook (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus Eligible ... Experience: 1 year of experience in commercial or institutional food preparation preferred.

gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Dulles, VA

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

UHS

COOK

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Observe all Health Department and facility policies and procedures regarding safe food cooking ... Minimum of two years previous institutional food service preparation preferred. Experience ...

UHS

COOK

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Observe all Health Department and facility policies and procedures regarding safe food cooking ... Minimum of two years previous institutional food service preparation preferred. Experience ...

Amherst College

Casual Cook - PM

Amherst, VA

$18 - $20/hr

The Casual Cook - PM is a part-time, casual position with no benefits. The expected salary range ... Experience in Collegiate or institutional food service production Interested candidates are asked ...

Amherst College

Casual Cook - AM

Amherst, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Casual Cook - AM is a part-time, casual position. The expected salary range for this job ... Experience in Collegiate or institutional food service production Interested candidates are asked ...

Encompass Health

Nutrition Services Aide

Aldie, VA

Recent institutional cooking experience and special function cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of food safety guidelines preferred. * May be required to work weekdays and/or weekends ...

Encompass Health

Nutrition Services Aide

Aldie, VA · On-site

Recent institutional cooking experience and special function cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of food safety guidelines preferred. * May be required to work weekdays and/or weekends ...

State of Virginia

FST II Cook Full Time

Staunton, VA

$52K/yr

FST II Cook Full Time Apply now Job no: 5107651 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Staunton ... Prior institutional food service experience beyond beginning level - High School Graduate or ...

UHS

Line Cook

Portsmouth, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Two or more years of institutional or restaurant cooking experience required; previous supervisory experience preferred. Certification : Must possess valid Virginia Food Handlers Card. Physical ...

UHS

Line Cook

Portsmouth, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Two or more years of institutional or restaurant cooking experience required; previous supervisory experience preferred. Certification : Must possess valid Virginia Food Handlers Card. Physical ...

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Institutional Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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.
Culinary Center Cook

Culinary Center Cook

Carilion Clinic

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$18.70 - $26.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Carilion Clinic rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 214 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Employment Status:Full timeShift:Day (United States of America)Facility:2823 Franklin Rd - RoanokeRequisition Number:R161219 Culinary Center Cook (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare:Sign on Bonus Eligible: $2,000 per applicable guidelines (external hires only)
The Cook Prepares and/or reheats food for patients, visitors and employees of the hospital following standard recipes and guidelines. Prepares food according to standard recipes and/or standard reheat process. Completes required documentation that includes temperature logs according to documentation requirement. Participates in department activities/meetings, which may include orientation of co-workers, patient/customer satisfaction initiatives, cost reduction initiatives, and inspection readiness.

The Cook

  • Prepares and/or retherms food for patients, visitors and employees of the hospital following standard recipes and guidelines.
  • Prepares food according to standard recipes and/or standard reheat process.
  • Completes required documentation that includes temperature logs according to documentation requirement.
  • Participates in department activities/meetings, which may include orientation of co-workers, patient/customer satisfaction initiatives, cost reduction initiatives, and inspection readiness.
  • Completes all general food service tasks as assigned which may include cashier, tray assemble and/or delivery, and dishwashing with related cleaning.
What We Require:

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.


Experience: 1 year of experience in commercial or institutional food preparation preferred.


Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: ServSafe certification or equivalent certification from the Virginia Health Department may be required, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.


Other Minimum Qualifications: Strong communication, customer service, and teamwork skills required. Basic keyboarding or computer skills helpful for use of automated systems. Ability to multitask and perform assigned duties. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.


This job description is intended to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by incumbents in this role. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Compensation Range:

$18.70 - $26.18

Employee pay is based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, and prior work experience. The compensation range does not include benefits or pension plan.

Recruiter:

TAMIKA RICKMAN

Recruiter Email:

tdrickman@carilionclinic.org

For more information, contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-599-2537.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug-Free Workplace. For more information or for individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800-599-2537, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on E-Verify: https://www.carilionclinic.org/eoe-e-verify-and-right-work-policies

Benefits, Pay and Well-beingat Carilion Clinic

Carilion understands the importance of prioritizing your well-being to help you develop and thrive. That's why we offer a well-rounded benefits package, and many perks and well-being resources to help you live a happy, healthy life - at work and when you're away.


When you make your tomorrow with us, we'll enhance your potential to realize the best in yourself.Below are benefits available to you when you join Carilion:


  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits
  • Employer Funded Pension Plan, vested after five years (Voluntary 403B)
  • Paid Time Off (accrued from day one)
  • Onsite fitness studios and discounts to our Carilion Wellness centers
  • Access to our health and wellness app, Personify Health
  • Discounts on childcare
  • Continued education and training

What Carilion Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Carilion Clinic logo

About Carilion Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

This is Carilion Clinic ... An organization where innovation happens, collaboration is expected and ideas are valued. A not-for-profit, mission-driven health system built on progress and partnerships. A courageous team that is always learning, never discouraged and forever curious. Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., you will find a robust system of award winning hospitals, Level 1 and 3 trauma centers, Level 3 NICU, Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosciences, multi-specialty physician practices, and The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Carilion is where you can make your own path, make new discoveries and, most importantly, make a difference. Here, in a place where the air is clean, people are kind and life is good. Make your tomorrow with us.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Roanoke, VA, US

Year founded

1899

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