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Prep Cook Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

bartaco

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA

$19 - $23/hr

What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...

Level99 Entertainment

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA

$18 - $23/hr

Prep Cooks will execute at high standards, following prep par levels and presentation. A successful Prep Cook will display honesty and personal integrity that is above reproach, choosing humility ...

Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety. One key to our success ...

The Capital Burger

Prep Cook

Washington, DC

$18.40 - $33.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety. One key to our success ...

McLean Bible Church

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Job Purpose: McLean Bible Church (MBC) is seeking a Prep Cook to join our Café team . The ideal candidate will have experience in food preparation, be skilled at following recipes, and work ...

The Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety One key to our success is ...

The Capital Burger

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $33.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety. One key to our success ...

The Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety One key to our success is ...

The Capital Burger

Prep Cook

Reston, VA

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety. One key to our success ...

The Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $33.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety One key to our success is ...

Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $33.25/hr

A Prep Cook will stock the alley and line with items needed to complete orders on time while ensuring proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for guest safety. One key to our success ...

Chart House

Prep Cook

Alexandria, VA

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

Level99 Entertainment

Prep Cook

Tysons, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Prep Cooks will execute at high standards, following prep par levels and presentation. A successful Prep Cook will display honesty and personal integrity that is above reproach, choosing humility ...

bartaco

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...

Chart House

Prep Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

Ugly Dumpling

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook General Description: The Prep Cook plays a vital role in the kitchen by preparing ingredients, assembling recipes, and ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly. This position focuses on ...

Glenstone Museum

Prep Cook

Potomac, MD

$22 - $24/hr

Position Prep Cook Reports To Chef Schedule Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wage $22 - $24 per hour An Introduction to Glenstone Museum Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art ...

maman | ballston

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Maman - Prep Cook/Baker maman is a french bakery, café and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by owners elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte, with locations across north america and canada ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Reston, VA

Prep Cook information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$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 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.

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.

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.

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.
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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

bartaco

Ashburn, VA

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

At bartaco, food is our passion-but people are our purpose. We invest in our team because they're at the heart of everything we do. Whether you're growing into a culinary, leadership, or hospitality role, bartaco is the place to learn, succeed, and thrive.

Founded in 2010 and inspired by a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, bartaco combines fresh, upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. With more than 30 locations across the country, bartaco remains committed to delivering good vibes, inspiration, and joy to one guest, one employee, and one community at a time. We're guest-obsessed and culture-driven. 

We're guest-obsessed and culture-driven. Our touchstones - Pride, Good People, Accountability, Growth, Transparency, and Fun - guide how we work together to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

What you'll do as a Prep Cook:

  • Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards
  • Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service
  • Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing deliveries
  • Set up and break down prep stations each shift
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe prep area following food safety standards
  • Support the kitchen team to ensure smooth service flow
  • Pitch in with other kitchen tasks as needed to create memorable dining experiences

What we're looking for:

  • Previous prep cook or fast-paced kitchen experience is a plus
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment, cooking methods, and food safety standards
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude with willingness to learn and help wherever needed
  • Flexible schedule (nights, weekends, holidays)

Perks + Benefits:

  • Competitive pay + career advancement opportunities
  • Meal discounts + fun, fast-paced work environment
  • Paid time off + 401k with match
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Wellness, gym, fitness, + pet care discounts 
  • Student loan assistance + language learning opportunities


Requirements

It's a vibe. It's a mindset. It's bartaco.

For more information about living the #bartacolife, visit www.bartaco.com and follow @bartacolife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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