1

Short Order Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Newtown, VA · On-site

$10K/mo

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Full-time Cook to work Rotating Shifts for the Food Services ... Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans Life Insurance 401k/403B with Employer Match ...

Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is hiring a Full-time Cook for the Food Service Department Shift ... Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans Life Insurance 401k/403B with Employer Match ...

Cook

Newtown, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Full-time Cook to work Rotating Shifts for the Food Services ... Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans Life Insurance 401k/403B with Employer Match ...

Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is hiring a Full-time, Night Shift Cook for the Food Service ... Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans Life Insurance 401k/403B with Employer Match ...

Cook

Fredericksburg, VA

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Orders are then either boxed for carryout or delivery, or given to Servers for service in the dining room. Cooks also prepare in advance of their need items used in the preparation of products sold ...

Cook

Fredericksburg, VA

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Orders are then either boxed for carryout or delivery, or given to Servers for service in the dining room. Cooks also prepare in advance of their need items used in the preparation of products sold ...

Cook - Urgently Hiring

Kilmarnock, VA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Orders are then either boxed for carryout or delivery, or given to Servers for service in the dining room. Cooks also prepare in advance of their need items used in the preparation of products sold ...

Cook - Urgently Hiring

Kilmarnock, VA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Orders are then either boxed for carryout or delivery, or given to Servers for service in the dining room. Cooks also prepare in advance of their need items used in the preparation of products sold ...

Cook

Bracey, VA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Restaurant Cook will oversee the day to day operation of the grill and food prep in ... Prepare food in a timely manner once the order is placed * Complete the position checklist while ...

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Salem, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook

Lexington, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Orders are then either boxed for carryout or delivery, or given to Servers for service in the dining room. Cooks also prepare in advance of their need items used in the preparation of products sold ...

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Henrico, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator (VA)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$12.90 - $16.90/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Showing results 21-40

Short Order Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in Virginia is $16.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a short order cook?

Short order cooks are kitchen professionals who specialize in quickly preparing simple dishes that are typically easy to assemble and cook, such as breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They usually work in diners, cafes, or fast-food restaurants where speed and efficiency are essential. Short order cooks must be able to multitask, work well under pressure, and maintain high food quality and safety standards. Their role is crucial for establishments that offer quick service to customers.

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

To thrive as a Short Order Cook, you need solid knowledge of food preparation, safe handling practices, and the ability to work quickly in high-pressure kitchen environments, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typical, and food safety certification is highly valued. Strong multitasking, communication, and teamwork skills help you excel during busy service times. These abilities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and efficient service in fast-paced restaurant settings.

What are some common challenges short order cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they manage them effectively?

Short order cooks often experience fast-paced, high-pressure environments, especially during peak meal times. Managing multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining consistency and speed, and communicating efficiently with waitstaff can be challenging. Successful short order cooks prioritize organization, keep their workstations prepped, and use clear short-hand with team members to stay on top of orders. Adapting quickly and staying calm under pressure are essential for delivering quality food and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Short Order Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectShort Order CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, quick-service restaurants, diners, cafesRestaurants, cafes, hotels, often working on specific station
Job DutiesPrepare quick, simple dishes like burgers, sandwiches, breakfast itemsPrepare a variety of dishes on a specific station, often more complex
Industry UsageCommon in casual dining and fast-food settingsCommon in full-service restaurants and hotels

Both roles require similar certifications and work in fast-paced environments, but a Short Order Cook focuses on quick, simple dishes in casual settings, while a Line Cook handles more complex dishes on a specific station in full-service restaurants.

How do you become a short order cook?

To become a short order cook, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food preparation. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and skills such as multitasking, knife handling, and knowledge of food safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to enhance their prospects.

How much does a short order cook make?

A short order cook typically earns an average hourly wage between $10 and $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the establishment's size and type.

Is being a short order cook hard?

Being a short order cook involves fast-paced work, multitasking, and attention to food safety and cleanliness. The job requires quick decision-making, stamina, and the ability to work under pressure, often during busy meal times. Experience with kitchen tools and basic cooking skills are helpful for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Short Order Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Short Order Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Order Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Short Order Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Short Order Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in VA?

For Short Order Cook jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,692 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 412 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State

Norfolk, VA

Work Shift

Rotating

Overview:

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Full-time Cook to work Rotating Shifts for the Food Services Department.Shift - Full Time, 36 hours a week, working 8-hour rotating shifts (working both day and evening shifts) and every other weekend.(Up to $2,000 Sign-on Bonus for qualified candidates) Prepares all hot foods for patient trayline, cafe, and functions including (but not limited to) entrees, vegetables, starches, and bakery items.
PACE specific incumbents for this position require a minimum of one year of experience working with the frail or elderly population. Licensure: Food Handlers (as required by local Health Department). Food Handlers required upon hire for all locations for SLC positions. Experience in Lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.
The Food Handler Certification is only required in the following facilities: SNGH, SLH, SOH, SCH and SWRMC

Education
  • High School Grad or Equivalent (Preferred)
Certification/Licensure
  • Food Handlers Card - Certification - Food Service Certification (as required by local Health Department).
Experience
  • Less than a year of Cook experience (Required)
  • Less than a year of Food Service experience (Required)
  • Restaurant or Hospital Cook Experience (Preferred)
Keywords: Cook, Line Cook, Sous Chef, Kitchen, Food Service, Talroo - Cook

.

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
Emergency Backup Care
Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
Life Insurance
401k/403B with Employer Match
Tuition Assistance - $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student Debt Pay Down - $10,000
Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
Pet Insurance
Legal Resources Plan
Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met

Sentara Leigh Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 274-bed acute care facility that opened in 1903 and relocated to its present site in 1977. Our hospital completed a renovation in 2016, including two new patient towers, a beautiful atrium, and a multi-story parking garage. Sentara Leigh Hospital includes a dedicated Orthopedic Hospital providing patients access to a full continuum of orthopedic care, from the preoperative phase and surgery to rehabilitation and home care services. Along with being a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, we also specialize in orthopedic and spine care, heart, vascular, maternity care, and general surgery. We are also home to the region's only 24-hour hyperbaric oxygen program that helps speed up the healing of carbon monoxide poisoning, wounds that won't heal, infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen, airborne chemical exposures, and scuba diving accidents.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.


In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:

Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


What Sentara Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom