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Prep Cook Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

What the Prep Cook will do: * Perform routine kitchen tasks and follow the prep list created to plan duties * Label and stock all ingredients on shelves for organization and easy access * Prepare ...

Bars

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

We are looking for an experienced Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA

$14.25 - $18/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Carlyle

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Jackson's

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Patsy's American

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Sweetwater Tavern Sterling

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Ozzie's Good Eats

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Coastal Flats Gaithersburg

Prep Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Coastal Flats Tysons Corner

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Best Buns Falls Church

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

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Prep Cook information

See Reston, VA salary details

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$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Reston, VA is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

How to get a job as a prep cook?

To get a job as a prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience in a kitchen environment. Many employers look for previous kitchen work, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Applying to entry-level restaurant or catering positions and demonstrating reliability can improve your chances of securing a prep cook role.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

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

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.
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Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,945 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Prep Cook

Cafe Monet

Mclean, VA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Prep Cook
Cafe Monet | McLean, VA
KNEAD Hospitality + Design

Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Position Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and components that support daily service. This role requires strong organization, consistency, and attention to detail to maintain the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare ingredients according to recipes and production lists
  • Wash, cut, portion, and store products with consistency
  • Follow proper labeling, dating, and storage procedures
  • Maintain a clean and organized prep area at all times
  • Assist with receiving and properly storing deliveries
  • Support line cooks and chefs with daily prep needs
  • Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are met
  • Communicate product levels and shortages to leadership

Qualifications

  • 1 to 2 years of kitchen or prep experience preferred
  • Strong knife skills and basic cooking knowledge
  • Ability to follow recipes and standardized procedures
  • Highly organized with attention to detail
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Team-oriented mindset with strong work ethic
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Growth opportunities within KNEAD Hospitality + Design
  • Structured kitchen environment with clear standards
  • Opportunity to be part of a new restaurant opening