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Simmer Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Simmer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$20.9K

$46.4K

$87.2K

How much do simmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for simmer in Springfield, VA is $46,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $49,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simmer?

Simmers are kitchen professionals responsible for preparing stocks, broths, and sauces by simmering ingredients over a low heat for extended periods. They play a crucial role in developing the base flavors for many dishes in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Simmers typically work under the supervision of chefs and must have a good understanding of ingredients, timing, and cooking techniques to produce consistent, high-quality results.

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

To thrive as a Simmer (food production worker specializing in simmering processes), you need a solid understanding of cooking principles, food safety, and temperature control, often supported by experience in a commercial kitchen. Familiarity with industrial simmering equipment, kitchen management systems, and relevant food handling certifications like ServSafe is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow precise instructions are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent product quality, safety, and efficiency in high-volume food production environments.

What are some common challenges a simmer faces when managing multiple dishes simultaneously in a busy kitchen?

As a Simmer, one of the main challenges is maintaining precise temperature and timing for several pots or pans at once, especially during peak service hours. This requires strong attention to detail and excellent multitasking skills to ensure that each dish is cooked perfectly without overcooking or burning. Coordination with other kitchen staff is crucial to ensure the smooth flow of orders, and staying organized helps prevent mistakes. Over time, you’ll develop techniques to streamline your workflow and communicate effectively with the team, which can lead to advancement opportunities within the kitchen hierarchy.

What is the difference between Simmer vs Line Cook?

AspectSimmerLine Cook
Primary RolePrepares ingredients and manages cooking processes at a stationPrepares and cooks dishes on the line during service
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often involved in prep work and cookingFast-paced kitchen environment during service hours
CertificationsMay require food safety certificationsLikewise, often requires food safety certifications
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityStandard in restaurant kitchens, especially in fine dining and fast food

While both roles are essential in a kitchen, a Simmer focuses on ingredient preparation and cooking techniques, often working behind the scenes, whereas a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in culinary environments.

What are popular job titles related to Simmer jobs in Springfield, VA?

For Simmer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Simmer jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Simmer jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Simmer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Simmer job openings:

Simmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simmer job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,354 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Hot Prep Cook in Washington D.C- West End!

Life Alive Cafe, LLC.

Washington, DC

$18.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Us: Life Alive Organic Cafe is the place for positive eating, where enjoying organic, crave-worthy food fuels a life filled with energy, optimism and simply feeling good. Through each joyful interaction and scratch-prepared dish served in our unique, quick service cafes, we work toward bringing to life our higher purpose to energize the vitality of all living beings and our planet.

Key Responsibilities

  • Masterfully execute hot prep tasks, including the precise crafting of our signature soups, sauces, and batters.
  • Artfully prepare and simmer hot menu components, ensuring every batch meets our exacting flavor and quality standards.
  • Uphold impeccable organizational standards and hygiene protocols to maintain a pristine hot line environment.
  • Proactively monitor and manage hot station inventory to optimize kitchen flow and ingredient freshness.
  • Deliver culinary consistency and speed, ensuring every guest receives their meal within our target ticket times without compromising quality.

Our Back of House Prep Cook is someone who is:

  • Possesses a genuine passion for wholesome ingredients and a deep curiosity about our plant-forward menu.
  • Demonstrates a collaborative spirit and a proactive willingness to support their teammates during peak service.
  • Embraces and champions the Life Alive values of wellness, sustainability, and mindful service.

Qualifications:

  • Proven ability to thrive and maintain focus in a high-volume, fast-paced culinary environment.
  • Physical dexterity for reaching, grasping, and precise knife work.
  • Lifting and carrying items weighing 50+ lbs
  • Able to stand on feet for 8+ hours a day
  • Able to walk up and down stairs 

Perks & Benefits:

  • 70% meal discount
  • Free and discounted Yoga 
  • Free Mental Health Support (for full-time)
  • Health insurance, dental and vision coverage (for full-time employees)
  • Education and professional development opportunities - examples include culinary training, superfood education, wellness lifestyle, resume building, community engagement
  • Flexible schedule that supports your lifestyle and other goals
  • Inclusion in an awesome community

Life Alive is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic leader who will contribute to our mission of energizing the vitality of all living beings and our planet through plant-based cuisine and sustainable practices.We strive to foster a community where all feel welcome, safe, and valued. We embrace all differences of age, sexual orientation, gender and its expression, race, culture and ethnicity, national origin, mental and physical health and ability, religious background, marital status, family structure, citizenship, education, and military or veterans’ status. Life Alive invites you to bring your whole self to work.

Please note that Life Alive is an E-Verify employer. Please review the Right to Work Poster from Department of Justice's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section.