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Junior Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chef de Partie

Mineral, VA ยท On-site

$27.50 - $35/hr

... and train junior kitchen staff, providing clear direction and feedback. - Maintain excellent ... as in a similar Chef de Partie or Line Cook role - Formal culinary training or relevant ...

Chef de Partie

Mineral, VA ยท On-site

$25/hr

This role will assist the Executive Chef and Sous Chef's in the daily preparation, cooking, and ... and train junior kitchen staff, providing clear direction and feedback. - Maintain excellent ...

Chef de Partie

Mineral, VA

$27.50 - $35/hr

... junior kitchen staff, providing clear direction and feedback.- Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety standards in accordance with HACCP guidelines.- Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering ...

Chef Sous - Exempt

Mineral, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in the daily preparation, cooking ... junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to cooking techniques, safety standards, and company ...

Chef Sous - Exempt

Mineral, VA ยท On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in the daily preparation, cooking ... Train, mentor, and motivate junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to cooking techniques, safety ...

Chef Sous - Exempt

Mineral, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in the daily preparation, cooking ... Train, mentor, and motivate junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to cooking techniques, safety ...

Cook 1

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Collaborate with the Chef de Partie and Sous Chef to develop and present daily specials, ensuring they align with the kitchen's standards. * Train and Mentor Junior Cooks: Provide guidance and ...

Pantry Cook

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$17/hr

Provide feedback to junior staff to help them improve their performance and advance their culinary careers. 6. Menu Planning and Development: * Collaborate with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to ...

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$17/hr

Provide feedback to junior staff to help them improve their performance and advance their culinary careers. 6. Menu Planning and Development: * Collaborate with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to ...

DevOps Engineer

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$109K - $185K/yr

Training & development DevOps Engineer (Junior, Mid-Level, Senior) Location: Springfield, VA ... Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, AWS CDK, Ansible, Chef, Puppet ...

Cook 2

Haymarket, VA

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

Cook 2

Haymarket, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

Cook 2

Haymarket, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

Cook 2

Haymarket, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

Cook 2

Haymarket, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

This junior-level position requires understanding of culinary techniques and the ability to take on ... Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Day-to-Day * Responsible for set-up ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$18.8K

$52K

$87.2K

How much do junior chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior chef in Virginia is $52,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectJunior ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or certificationOften similar, may require experience in kitchen
Work EnvironmentAssists senior chefs, works in kitchenPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer UsageHotels, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level culinary rolesLearning specific station duties in kitchen

Junior Chefs and Line Cooks both work in kitchens and require culinary training. Junior Chefs often assist senior staff and may have broader responsibilities, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at specific stations during service. Both roles are common in similar settings, but Junior Chefs typically have a slightly higher level of responsibility and may be on a career path toward higher culinary positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Chef, you need a basic knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and a relevant qualification such as a culinary diploma or certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and HACCP protocols is important for daily operations. Strong teamwork, time management, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that set standout Junior Chefs apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen performance, consistent food quality, and smooth collaboration in a demanding culinary environment.

How much do junior chefs make?

Junior chefs typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $16, with annual salaries between $25,000 and $35,000 depending on location, experience, and establishment. Entry-level positions often require basic culinary skills and may include on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges a junior chef might face when working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Junior Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining composure during busy service hours, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning complex recipes quickly. Adapting to the kitchen's fast pace while ensuring consistency and quality in dishes can be demanding, especially when working alongside more experienced chefs. Developing strong communication skills and a keen sense of organization will help you overcome these hurdles and succeed in this collaborative environment.

How do you become a junior chef?

To become a junior chef, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue culinary training through vocational schools or culinary programs. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level kitchen positions helps develop basic cooking skills and knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene standards.

What is a junior chef?

Junior Chefs are entry-level culinary professionals who assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food in kitchens. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced chefs, such as Sous Chefs or Head Chefs, and help with basic tasks like chopping vegetables, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is often the first step in a culinary career, allowing individuals to learn essential kitchen skills and gain exposure to a professional kitchen environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Chef jobs in Virginia? For Junior Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Junior Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Junior Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,012 per year, or $25 per hour.

Sous Chef

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Midlothian, VA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Fun and Exciting Work Environment
  • Culture & Community - engaging team events, monthly team recognition
  • 401k, Roth IRA
  • Financial Security - competitive salary, incentive bonus structure
  • Generous Paid Time Off Policies
  • Work-Life Balance - Flexible working schedule
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored health and vision insurance
  • Professional Development

Role Purpose:
The role of a sous chef at Uptown Alley multifaceted and pivotal to the smooth operation of the kitchen.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic and Financial Management
    • Menu Costing and Pricing: Sous chefs may assist in calculating the cost of ingredients for menu items and determining appropriate menu pricing to ensure profitability while remaining competitive in the market.
    • Inventory Management: They are often involved in managing inventory levels, monitoring food costs, and minimizing waste.
    • Waste Reduction Initiatives: They may implement strategies to reduce food waste and improve efficiency in the kitchen, which can lead to cost savings and improved profitability.
  • Operational Management
    • Problem Solving and Decision Making: Sous chefs are adept at troubleshooting issues that arise in the kitchen, such as equipment malfunctions, ingredient shortages, or staffing challenges. They make quick and informed decisions to address problems and minimize disruptions to service.
    • Equipment Maintenance and Safety: They are responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and knives. Sous chefs enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries in the kitchen, including proper handling of hot surfaces, sharp tools, and hazardous materials.
    • Health and Sanitation Compliance: Sous chefs ensure that the kitchen complies with health and sanitation regulations by implementing cleaning schedules, conducting regular inspections, and training staff on food safety practices. They maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
    • Food Preparation and Quality Control: They oversee food preparation activities, ensuring that dishes are
      prepared according to recipes, quality standards, and health regulations. Sous chefs often lead by example,
      demonstrating proper cooking techniques and maintaining high standards of food quality.
  • Staff Management 
    • Training and Development: Investing in the training and development of kitchen staff can improve productivity, reduce errors, and enhance overall kitchen performance, contributing to long-term financial success. 
    • Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Sous chefs conduct performance evaluations for kitchen staff to assess their skills, productivity, and adherence to kitchen standards.
  • Customer Service
    • Overall, sous chefs play a crucial role in the operational management of the kitchen, overseeing all aspects of food preparation, staffing, safety, and efficiency to deliver a positive dining experience for customers.
Education & Qualifications:
  • Certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or Safe Food Handling. 
  • 2-5 years of experience working in professional kitchens, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role. 
  • Desirable -  Completing an apprenticeship or culinary training program.
  • Desirable - A degree or diploma in culinary arts, culinary management, or a related field.
Experience:
  • A lead chef should have a strong culinary background with experience working in professional kitchens.
  • Experience in supervising a team of cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen assistants is valuable. 
  • Experience implementing food safety protocols, conducting inspections, and training staff on hygiene standards is essential. 
  • Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant.
Skills & Competencies:
  • Advanced culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and recipe execution across various cuisines and menu styles
  • Kitchen Management- strong communication skills 
  • Menu costing and pricing 
  • Desirable - Basic financial analysis and budget management
  • Desirable - Familiarity with the latest culinary trends
  • Technological Proficiency
    • Intermediate skills with Microsoft office, basic payroll and HRIS platform understanding
Personal Qualities:
  • Self starter- driven and motivated work ethic, the ability to be resilient, the ability to be adaptable, empathy, ability the strategic thinker, collaborative, customer focused, results-driven. 
Languages:
  • English
  • Desirable - Spanish
Department: Culinary Operations
Location: On-Site
Travel Required: No
Type: Full-Time
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Weekends, Nights, Holidays
Reports To: General Manager/Head Chef
Collaborates With: Management team, Administrative support
Supports & Engages With: Junior Managers, FOH, BOH