ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Live In Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Primrose School

Preschool Housekeeper

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

... in when cook is off, etc. 5. Managing laundry. 6. Helping the school management team as needed. help to keep school clean, and minor maintenance when needed 7. Manage outside garden and plants 8. ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLive In Cook JobsLive In Cook Jobs in Washington, DC

Live In Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do live in cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in cook in Washington, DC is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in cook?

Live in cooks are culinary professionals who reside at their place of employment, typically in a private household, estate, or sometimes in institutional settings. Their main responsibility is to prepare daily meals for the household or residents, often accommodating specific dietary preferences and schedules. In addition, live in cooks may handle grocery shopping, meal planning, kitchen organization, and sometimes light housekeeping related to the kitchen. This arrangement allows for greater flexibility and availability to the employer, and often includes room and board as part of the compensation package.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Cook, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning abilities, and experience in various cooking techniques, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant food safety certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food storage systems, and adherence to hygiene standards are typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and clear communication with household members are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and harmonious living arrangements in a private household setting.

What does a typical week look like for a live in cook in a private household?

A typical week for a Live-In Cook in a private household involves planning menus, shopping for fresh ingredients, and preparing daily meals according to the family's preferences and dietary requirements. In addition to cooking, you may be responsible for kitchen organization, inventory management, and sometimes coordinating with other household staff. Flexibility is important, as meal schedules can vary with family events or guests. Teamwork and clear communication with employers and staff help ensure smooth operations and a pleasant living environment.

What is the difference between Live In Cook vs Live Out Cook?

AspectLive In CookLive Out Cook
Work EnvironmentResides on the employer’s property, often in private homes or estatesWorks on a daily basis at the employer’s location but commutes daily
CredentialsTypically requires culinary skills, experience, and sometimes background checksSimilar credentials, focusing on cooking skills and reliability
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in private households, luxury estates, and hospitality settingsUsed in private homes, hotels, and catering services

Live In Cooks live on the employer’s property, providing round-the-clock service, while Live Out Cooks commute daily to the job site. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the main difference lies in accommodation and work schedule flexibility.

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

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

Live In Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Cook job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Live in Special Needs Caregiver / House Manager

Great Falls, VA

Home Work Staffing
See more jobs at Home Work Staffingexternal

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide one-on-one care and companionship for a nonverbal 17-year-old, supporting communication and daily activities.

  • Assist with dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, and household tasks such as meal prep, light cooking, laundry, and household organization.

  • Drive to appointments and activities, support household relocation, and plan engaging activities to promote independence and life skills.

Job description

Location: Great Falls, VA
Compensation: $30–35 per hour
Commitment: Full-time, long-term
Guaranteed Hours: 35 hours per week
Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday

  • Wednesday–Friday: 1:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
    Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

A warm, active family in Great Falls, VA is seeking a Specialized Educational Support Professional / Caregiver to work one-on-one with their bright, engaging 17-year-old son who is nonverbal and has a genetic neurological condition (Polymicrogyria).

This position is particularly well suited for someone with a background in special education, paraprofessional support, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing, psychology, behavioral health, or another educational or clinical setting. The ideal candidate will bring a thoughtful, patient, and encouraging approach to supporting communication, independence, life skills, and daily activities.

The teen communicates through gestures, RPM (Rapid Prompting Method), and a letter board. He enjoys being active and spending time outdoors, including hiking, walking, and swimming. The successful candidate will become an important part of his daily support team, helping him build confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills while providing attentive and engaging companionship.

During weekday afternoons while he is at school, the role will also include light household and organizational responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys working with adolescents and wants to make a meaningful, long-term impact.

Benefits & Living Accommodations

  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 2 paid sick days
  • 2 paid personal days
  • 3–6 paid holidays
  • Live-in accommodations available
  • Private walk-out basement bedroom with windows and private bathroom
  • Access to a private kitchen at the family's new residence
  • Candidate is responsible for their own groceries and may participate in family dinners

Key Responsibilities

Educational & Developmental Support

  • Provide consistent one-on-one support and companionship
  • Encourage communication using gestures, RPM, and letter board communication
  • Support development of independence, self-advocacy, and daily living skills
  • Create and participate in engaging activities that promote learning, confidence, and independence
  • Encourage participation in age-appropriate activities and community outings
  • Observe and communicate changes in mood, behavior, communication, or needs to parents
  • Reinforce strategies and routines established by the family and the teen's professional support team

Personal Care & Daily Support

  • Assist with dressing, hygiene, and bathing as needed
  • Provide appropriate physical support while encouraging as much independence as possible
  • Accompany him on hikes, walks, swimming, appointments, and activities
  • Prepare gluten-free meals and snacks

Household & Organizational Support

  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Meal preparation and light cooking
  • Grocery shopping and household errands
  • Help maintain an organized household
  • Assist with packing and preparations for the family's upcoming relocation
  • Keep common areas organized and tidy

Ideal Candidate

The family is especially interested in candidates with professional experience in settings such as:

  • Special education or general education
  • Paraprofessional / classroom aide
  • Occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant
  • Speech-language therapy or communication support
  • Nursing or hospital-based care
  • Psychology, behavioral health, or developmental services
  • ABA or other behavioral support
  • Specialized adolescent or disability services

Candidates should have a genuine interest in helping young people develop independence and should be comfortable providing both hands-on support and thoughtful developmental guidance.

Qualifications

  • Warm, patient, compassionate, and emotionally mature
  • Professional experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals with developmental or neurological differences
  • Strong communication and observational skills
  • Comfortable supporting a nonverbal teen and learning his individual communication style
  • Able to encourage independence while providing appropriate hands-on assistance
  • Energetic and physically active
  • Strong, confident swimmer
  • Comfortable participating in hiking, walking, swimming, and other outdoor activities
  • Highly dependable, organized, and able to take initiative
  • Valid driver's license and safe, confident driving history
  • Comfortable around two large hypoallergenic dogs
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification
  • Able to communicate professionally and effectively with parents and other members of the teen's support team
  • Must be able to provide 3–5 professional references

Upon submitting this form, you will be considered for any suitable positions, so there is no need to complete multiple applications.

Apply