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Private Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

COOK

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

The Hughes Center also provides private, community-based educational services. We provide both ... The Cook will prepare healthy and appealing food for residents, staff, and guests, while providing ...

COOK

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

The Hughes Center also provides private, community-based educational services. We provide both ... The Cook will prepare healthy and appealing food for residents, staff, and guests, while providing ...

Cook I-DCT

Danville, VA · On-site

$16.36 - $24.26/hr

Cook I-DCT Summary: Participates in general food preparation and cooking of large quantities for ... Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 ...

Line Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Prep Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Prep Cook responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals as well as special events and high-end catering at a private day ...

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Henrico, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

WE NEED A COOK WHO LIKES TO STAY BUSY. DO YOU THRIVE WHEN THE TICKETS START FLYING? Opus 9 ... private dining accommodations and first class service. We offer a diverse selection of fine wine ...

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Line Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Private Events * Monthly Wine Tastings for Two * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth * 401k ...

Cook - Full Time

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cook - less than one year * Food Service - less than one year Talroo - Allied Health, food service ... patient-friendly private rooms. Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Sentara Martha ...

Showing results 41-60

Private Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do private cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for private cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private cook?

Private Cooks are culinary professionals hired to prepare meals for individuals, families, or small groups, typically in private homes. They tailor menus to the preferences and dietary needs of their clients, handle grocery shopping, and often manage kitchen organization and cleanliness. Private Cooks may prepare daily meals, special occasion feasts, or even provide meal prep services for the week. Their work allows clients to enjoy personalized, restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own homes.

How does a private cook typically coordinate menus and meal prep with clients?

A private cook works closely with clients to understand their dietary preferences, restrictions, and desired cuisines, often planning menus weekly or monthly. This role involves regular communication to adjust dishes for special events, health needs, or changing tastes. Private cooks usually handle grocery shopping, ingredient sourcing, and may also manage kitchen inventory. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are important, as menus are often tailored and may require last-minute adjustments.

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

To thrive as a Private Cook, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, food safety knowledge, and typically a culinary arts degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food allergy protocols, and menu management software is often required. Attention to detail, discretion, flexibility, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for adapting to individual client preferences and maintaining confidentiality. These skills ensure high-quality, personalized dining experiences and foster client satisfaction in a private setting.

What is the difference between Private Cook vs Personal Chef?

AspectPrivate CookPersonal Chef
CredentialsCooking skills, sometimes certificationsCooking skills, culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrivate residences, estatesPrivate residences, luxury homes, sometimes events
Employer & IndustryHigh-net-worth individuals, familiesHigh-net-worth individuals, families, executives
Job ScopePrepares meals for specific clients, often dailyPlans menus, prepares meals, may handle grocery shopping

While both Private Cooks and Personal Chefs prepare meals in private settings, Private Cooks typically focus on daily meal preparation for a single client or family, often working in their homes. Personal Chefs usually offer more comprehensive services, including menu planning and grocery shopping, and may work for multiple clients or on a freelance basis. Both roles require culinary skills and experience working in private settings, but Personal Chefs often have formal culinary certifications and broader responsibilities.

How much do private cooks earn?

Private cooks typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the household's needs. Skilled cooks with specialized training or certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in high-income areas or for full-time, live-in positions.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Private Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Private Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Private Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

COOK

Danville, VA • On-site

UHS
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Responsibilities

Dietary Cook 

Located in South Central Virginia, The Hughes Center is a highly-structured psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth ages 10 to 22 with neurodevelopmental disorders. The Hughes Center also provides private, community-based educational services. We provide both individualized and holistic care for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a nurturing, family-friendly environment. We utilize a multidisciplinary team approach to provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment (and educational) interventions with the intent to increase each youth’s level of functional independence. Our team also works diligently to address or manage medical conditions and challenging behaviors that are often associated with individuals who are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. We challenge our residents to adapt to and apply learned skills within new environments and situations, and to maintain functional use of these skills when they return to their homes or other community-based settings.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Cook will prepare healthy and appealing food for residents, staff, and guests, while providing Service Excellence. Must be able to follow the menu plan.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

  • Prepares meals in accordance with the menu and ensures proper preparation, portioning, and serving of foods in a safe and sanitary manner
  • Assumes responsibility for proper food handling and utilization of all foods to prevent contamination, increase quality and reduce cost
  • Sets up food service line and workstations with the needed condiments and ensures all required condiments and garnishes are served with the appropriate foods
  • Assists in prep for the following day’s menu
  • Keeps stock room, coolers, freezers, walk-ins and all hot boxes clean. Ensures that all foods are properly labeled, dated and stored appropriately
  • Maintains kitchen cleanliness and proper food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements and departmental procedures
  • Keeps food waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques and procedures
  • Prefer knowledge of equipment usage including (not an all-inclusive list): stoves, ovens, steamer, fryer, grill, electric mixer, dish washing machines, microwave, food charts
  •  

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire
  • Must be able to meet all training requirements
  • Must possess physical stamina to stand the majority of shift and to lift and move equipment and supplies
  • Physical demands require dexterity, good vision, ability to walk, stoop, bend and be able to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally
  • Previous cooking experience required
  • Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful
  • Must reflect behavior, attitude, and appearance appropriate to the position and be supportive of the facility and division philosophy, goals, and objectives

EDUCATION:

  • High school education or equivalent is preferred
  • Must be able to read and write
Qualifications:

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire
  • Must be able to meet all training requirements
  • Must possess physical stamina to stand the majority of shift and to lift and move equipment and supplies
  • Physical demands require dexterity, good vision, ability to walk, stoop, bend and be able to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally
  • Previous cooking experience required
  • Previous hospital/school cafeteria experience is helpful
  • Must reflect behavior, attitude, and appearance appropriate to the position and be supportive of the facility and division philosophy, goals, and objectives

EDUCATION:

  • High school education or equivalent is preferred
  • Must be able to read and write
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US