1

Professional Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Columbia, MD

$17 - $20/hr

Dietary Cook Lorien Columbia | Columbia, MD Are you passionate about cooking and making a ... We are seeking a dependable, enthusiastic, and team-oriented culinary professional who enjoys ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Position requires standing and walking 3 to 4 ...

COOK

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

If you want to grow your skills in a professional culinary environment... keep reading. The Role As a Cook, you'll prepare and cook menu items, maintain station readiness, and support overall kitchen ...

COOK

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

If you want to grow your skills in a professional culinary environment... keep reading. The Role As a Cook, you'll prepare and cook menu items, maintain station readiness, and support overall kitchen ...

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Position requires standing and walking 3 to 4 ...

Cook

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

A family that supports YOUR personal and professional growth We are looking for Full- Service Line Cooks: * 2 to 5 years' experience on a fast-paced line, working all stations. * Accountable for all ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

A family that supports YOUR personal and professional growth We are looking for Full- Service Line Cooks: * 2 to 5 years' experience on a fast-paced line, working all stations. * Accountable for all ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Cook responsible for the preparation, cooking, and ... High level of professionalism, strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Meriwether Godsey is seeking a Full-time Cook responsible for the preparation, cooking, and ... High levels of professionalism, strong communication, organizational, customer service, and problem ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$20/hr

High levels of professionalism, strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills ... Cook will get: * Competitive Pay, Uniforms, Meals, Training, Mentorship, and Benefits (Health ...

Cook

Reston, VA

$19 - $21/hr

Cook - Hunters Woods at Trails Edge Love making a difference in the lives of seniors? At Hunters ... Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth * Comprehensive medical benefits with ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

IAP is seeking a Cook who will prepare in large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat ... advanced professional and technical services. IAH provides a broad spectrum of services and ...

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

IAP is seeking a Cook who will prepare in large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat ... advanced professional and technical services. IAH provides a broad spectrum of services and ...

Cook

Laurel, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Professional growth and development opportunities. * Employee Appreciation Events. Cook - Position Summary: Provides high quality meals at all times to residents, guests, and staff. Participates in ...

Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

) Cook - Hunters Woods at Trails Edge Love making a difference in the lives of seniors? At Hunters ... Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth * Comprehensive medical benefits with ...

Cook

Leesburg, VA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Professional growth and development opportunities. * Employee Appreciation Events. Cook - Position Summary: Provides high quality meals at all times to residents, guests, and staff. Participates in ...

Cook

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Professional growth and development opportunities. * Employee Appreciation Events. Cook - Position Summary: Provides high quality meals at all times to residents, guests, and staff. Participates in ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Amergis Healthcare Staffing is seeking a Cook to prepare, season, and cook a wide variety of foods ... based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through ...

New

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

This role is for cooks who take pride in clean execution, disciplined prep, organized stations, and ... Receive direction professionally and make corrections quickly. Move with urgency while staying calm ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Cook information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do professional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional cook in Washington is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectProfessional CookLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications or trainingOften no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentVaries from restaurants to catering, more supervisory rolesPrimarily kitchen station work in restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across food service sectorsCommonly used in restaurant kitchens
Job FocusOversees food prep, manages kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line

While both roles involve cooking, a Professional Cook often has broader responsibilities, including supervision and menu planning, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station in the kitchen. The Professional Cook typically requires more training or certification and may work in diverse food service settings, while the Line Cook is primarily hands-on in restaurant kitchens.

What does a professional cook do?

A professional cook prepares, cooks, and presents food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They follow recipes, ensure food safety standards, and may specialize in specific cuisines or techniques. Strong skills in knife work, time management, and knowledge of kitchen equipment are essential for the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Professional Cook jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Professional Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Lorien Health Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dietary Cook
 
Lorien Columbia | Columbia, MD
 
Are you passionate about cooking and making a difference in the lives of others? Join Lorien Columbia, a premier skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care community in Columbia, Maryland, as a Dietary Cook.
We are seeking a dependable, enthusiastic, and team-oriented culinary professional who enjoys preparing nutritious, great-tasting meals and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Whether you have experience as a Dietary Cook, Healthcare Cook, Food Service Cook, Senior Living Cook, Restaurant Cook, or Kitchen Team Member, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career while supporting the health and well-being of our residents.
At Lorien Columbia, you'll be part of a supportive team dedicated to excellent resident care, hospitality, and healthcare food service.
 
Compensation: $17.00/hr-$20.00/hr
Full-Time Benefits
  • 80 Hours of Vacation PTO
  • 40 Hours of Sick Leave with Rollover
  • Personal Days
  • 7 Major Holidays- double time when worked
  • CareFirst Medical Package
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Same Day Pay

Employee Perks
  • Employee Discounts
  • Earn Points, Earn Rewards Program
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Attendance Rewards
  • Employee Referral Program
 

Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Dietary Cook, Cook, Food Service Cook, Healthcare Cook, Line Cook, or Restaurant Cook preferred.
  • Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, senior living, assisted living, hospitality, or healthcare food service environments is a plus.
  • Knowledge of food preparation techniques and dietary services.
  • Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Dependable attendance and a positive attitude.
  • Passion for serving others and delivering exceptional customer service.

  • Full Time, Part Time and PRN Hours
  • Schedule: 5:30a-2p/11:30a-8p
  • Every-other weekend availability (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Ability to safely lift, push, and pull up to 25–50 pounds as part of daily job responsibilities, with or without reasonable accomodation.

Lorien Columbiahas been in the heart of Howard County, MD since 1977 and is the first of 9 Lorien facilities. Our facility includes skilled nursing, rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, as well as the only Korean nursing unit in Howard County with 205 beds total, 5 nursing units. Lorien Columbiais afive-starfacility and recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top nursing homes in Maryland. Recently voted Baltimore's Best Elder Care! 

Lorien Health Services is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.


What Lorien Health Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom