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Prep Cook Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA

$16.50 - $20.75/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 ...

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $22/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 ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Alexandria, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/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 ...

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 ...

Position Prep Cook- Full Time 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 ...

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, ensuring that they are of high quality and meet our customers' expectations. Your attention to detail and ...

Prep Cook

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Manassas, VA

$14.25 - $18/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook / Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Nando's PERi-PERi- Prep Cook/Line Cook #EveryoneIsWelcome We are NOW HIRING for our Nando's team! Full-time and part-time hours are available! We offer a fun and rewarding job with a great supportive ...

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Prep Cook information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Reston, VA is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized surgeons, senior corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business, and may involve irregular or high-risk schedules. Most roles with such high daily earnings are rare and often require significant qualifications or capital investment.

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.

Is prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, often requiring physical stamina and attention to safety and cleanliness. The job can be physically demanding and may involve working in fast-paced environments, but it generally does not require advanced skills or certifications. Success depends on efficiency, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A prep cook typically does not earn $10,000 a month; such high earnings are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on skills, experience, and performance rather than formal education. High-income opportunities usually require specialized skills, certifications, or significant experience.

What is a prep cook job?

A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in a kitchen. They typically handle chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies to ensure smooth kitchen operations and may work under the supervision of chefs or head cooks.

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 prep cooks?

Prep cooks are kitchen professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components needed for recipes. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing workstations and ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently. Prep cooks support chefs and line cooks by making sure everything is ready for meal preparation and service. This role is essential in both restaurants and catering operations, as it helps maintain a smooth workflow and consistent food quality.

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 the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,008 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
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.
Salary Description
Pay: $19 -$23 per hour