1

Internship Prep Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques. * Energy and passion: An ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques. * Energy and passion: An ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques. * Energy and passion: An ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ... Excellent prep skills--knife skills, labelling * Can prepare Mise En Place for any station in a ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ... Excellent prep skills--knife skills, labelling * Can prepare Mise En Place for any station in a ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ... Excellent prep skills--knife skills, labelling * Can prepare Mise En Place for any station in a ...

Dishwasher

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Baker

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Bakery Assistant

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$750/wk

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Management Trainee

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$27.50 - $28.25/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Shift Leader

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$1.5K/day

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Retail Sales Associate

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Truck Unloader

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$500/wk

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Bakery Manager

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $22.50/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Part Time Jobs

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$750/wk

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Team Member

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

... Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... Training Wegmans offers paid summer internships and externships for college students to jumpstart ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Internship Prep Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do internship prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship prep cook in Washington, DC is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship prep cook?

Internship prep cooks are individuals, often culinary students or recent graduates, who work in kitchens as part of an internship program to gain hands-on experience in food preparation. They assist chefs and other kitchen staff by performing tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This role helps them develop essential cooking skills, learn kitchen operations, and build a foundation for future roles in the culinary industry. An internship as a prep cook is a valuable stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a culinary career.

What does an internship prep cook do?

As an Internship Prep Cook, your daily responsibilities usually include preparing ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, portioning meats, and assembling sauces, to ensure that the line cooks and chefs have everything they need for meal service. You may also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in your prep area, labeling and storing food items, and assisting with basic cooking tasks under supervision. This role is highly collaborative, requiring strong communication with chefs and other kitchen staff to keep the workflow smooth and efficient. The experience gained in this position is essential for building foundational culinary skills and understanding the fast-paced environment of a professional kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship prep cook?

To thrive as an Internship Prep Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with enrollment in a culinary program. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard in a dynamic kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Internship Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectInternship Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsMinimal; often students or entry-levelExperience preferred; culinary certifications optional
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, entry-level kitchenEstablished kitchen, more responsibilities
Employer UsageInternship programs, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, catering services

The main difference is that an Internship Prep Cook is typically a training position for those gaining experience, often part of a culinary program, while a Prep Cook is a more experienced role responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in kitchen operations. Internships focus on learning, whereas Prep Cooks are expected to have some foundational skills and contribute to daily kitchen tasks.

Do internship prep cooks make good money?

Internship prep cooks typically earn hourly wages that are at or slightly above minimum wage, depending on the location and establishment. They often receive tips and may gain valuable skills that can lead to higher-paying culinary positions in the future.

How to become an internship prep cook with no experience?

To become an internship prep cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply to entry-level kitchen positions or internships that offer training, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Internship Prep Cook job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,955 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Cook (Full-Time)

Goodwin Living

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Elevate your craft, redefine your career: Line Cook at Goodwin Living

Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin Living, we're building a culinary program centered on a la minute fine dining for our residents, and we're looking for passionate chefs to join our team. This is your chance to trade the unpredictable hours and grind of the restaurant world for a fulfilling career with purpose, growth, and work-life balance.

This position pays $21/hr-24/hr you should be available 11am-7pmย and alternating weekends

Your mission: Create joyful dining experiences

  • Elevate the menu: Leverage your fine-dining experience to prepare chef-inspired, cook-to-order dishes that delight our residents every day.
  • Embrace 'a la minute' excellence: Maintain our high standard for quality, taste, and presentation, enhancing the daily lives of those you serve.
  • Cook for a purpose: Move beyond serving patrons to serving elders, an experience that our current team members find deeply rewarding and meaningful.

Your career: Built for growth and balance

  • Predictable hours: Enjoy a schedule that allows for a healthier work-life balance, with most shifts ending by 9 p.m.
  • Career advancement: Grow with us. We are committed to developing our team and offer clear paths for internal promotion, mentorship, and continued education.
  • Exceptional benefits: As a recognized Top Workplace, we offer competitive pay ($21โ€“$24/hour) and benefits for full-time employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

What we need

  • Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience working as a line cook in a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Skill and precision: High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques.
  • Energy and passion: An energetic and proactive attitude with a genuine passion for food and people.

Celebrated as the #3 Top Workplace in the D.C. region for 2025 by The Washington Post since 2019, Goodwin Living is more than a team โ€“ it's a global family of individuals who represent more than 70 countries.

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 โ€” and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, weโ€™ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Hereโ€™s what they say makes us stand out:

  • Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice.ย 
  • Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential.ย 
  • Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued.ย 

A sampling of our many benefits!

Weโ€™ve got you covered with incredible benefits, whether you work full-time, part-time, or PRN (as needed). Hereโ€™s a glimpse of what we offer to Full-Time team members:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • DailyPay: Work and get paid the same day!
  • Tuition Assistance for Career Development
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Financial assistance with U.S. Citizenship application or DACA Renewal
  • Tutoring for ESL, Citizenship Test & GED
  • Staff Emergency Grants
  • Retirement Plan- 401(k)
  • Free Meals, Access to a Fitness Center, Pool, and More

About Goodwin Living

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #2 in 2024!

Goodwin Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an AARP Employer Pledge Signer. We take pride in our inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters talent. With us, you are more than just a team member; you are part of a community committed to excellence and continuous learning.