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

Sodexo Live!

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$23.75/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Cook at Sodexo Live, you are also a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

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Live In Cook information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do live in cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in cook in Washington, DC is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Live-in cooks and professional chefs can start at any age, including 35, as the role values culinary skills, experience, and adaptability. Many successful chefs began their careers later in life, and gaining relevant training or certifications can enhance job prospects regardless of age.

Are there live in chefs?

Yes, live-in chefs are employed to reside on the employer's property and prepare meals regularly. They often work full-time hours, may handle meal planning and grocery shopping, and typically require cooking skills and relevant experience. This arrangement is common in private households, luxury estates, and some hospitality settings.

What are live in cooks?

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 companies will pay you to cook?

Live-in cooks can be employed by private households, luxury estates, or high-net-worth individuals who hire them to prepare meals and manage kitchen duties. Some hospitality or resort companies also hire cooks for on-site accommodations, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Payment depends on the employer, location, and scope of responsibilities.

How much do live-in cooks make?

Live-in cooks typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the cuisine. They often receive room and board as part of their compensation and may also earn tips or bonuses for exceptional service.

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 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 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 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 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 $34,518 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Live in Special Needs Caregiver / House Manager

Home Work Staffing

Great Falls, VA

$30/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location: Great Falls, VA
Compensation: $30/hour
Commitment: Full-time, long-term
Guaranteed Hours: 35 hours per week
Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday — Wed/Thu/Fri 1:00 PM–7:00 PM; Sat/Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

A single-child household in Great Falls, VA is seeking a dedicated, active live-in caregiver and house manager to support a nonverbal 17-year-old with a genetic neurological condition (Polymicrogyria). He is bright, engaged, and communicates through gestures, RPM, and a letter board. This is a dual role combining hands-on personal care with household management, ideal for someone who is athletic, patient, and comfortable balancing caregiving with organizational and light domestic duties. The caregiver will primarily support the household while he is at school on weekday afternoons and work directly with him after school and on weekends.

Benefits

  • Guaranteed 35 hours per week
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 2 paid sick days
  • 2 paid personal days
  • 3–6 paid holidays
  • Live-in accommodations: private walk-out basement bedroom with windows and a private bathroom; access to a private kitchen at the new residence (candidate responsible for their own groceries; may join family dinners)

Responsibilities

  • Provide attentive one-on-one care and companionship for a nonverbal 17-year-old
  • Support communication through gestures, RPM, and letter board
  • Assist with dressing, personal hygiene, and bathing (including help getting in and out of the bath and washing)
  • Accompany on daily hikes, walks, and swimming — an active lifestyle is central to the role
  • Prepare gluten-free snacks and meals
  • Light housekeeping and laundry (a weekly cleaner is also employed)
  • Meal prep and light cooking, grocery shopping, and household organization
  • Drive to local appointments
  • Assist with packing and the household's upcoming relocation

Requirements

  • Must be a strong, confident swimmer and comfortable swimming
  • Active and physically able to keep up with an energetic teen
  • Valid driver's license
  • Comfortable with two large hypoallergenic dogs in the home
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification
  • Prior special needs caregiving experience preferred
  • 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