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Temp Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Sous Chef

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$17.89 - $22.37/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... Assists the chef with overseeing the day to day operation of the kitchen and maintaining the ...

Compass Group

CHEF

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full-time CHEF position. * Address : George Mason University - 4353 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells HE

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full-time CHEF position. * Address : George Mason University - 4353 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Fairfax, VA

$27/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full-time CHEF position. * Address : George Mason University - 4353 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full-time CHEF position. * Address : George Mason University - 4353 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Ford's Fish Shack

Kitchen Manager

Chantilly, VA

Temporary shifts may be available at our Lansdowne or Ashburn locations. Ford's Fish Shack is ... talented team of chefs. Responsibilities: * Oversee all kitchen operations, including food ...

Ford's Fish Shack

Kitchen Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Temporary shifts may be available at our Lansdowne or Ashburn locations. Ford's Fish Shack is ... talented team of chefs. Responsibilities: * Oversee all kitchen operations, including food ...

Dellfor Technologies

Senior JAVA Developer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$80K/yr

And we do it every single day - for both temporary and permanent assignments and across virtually ... Chef, Junit, Test NJ, Selenium or similar tools - Demonstrated experience working with core ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook is expected to provide feedback and suggestions to the Executive Chef & Sous Chefs to ... journaling temp-logs and using gloves, food safety tools and best practices when cooking in the ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14.41 - $18.17/hr

... Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to ... Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$15.34 - $19.18/hr

... Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to ... Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$15.34 - $19.18/hr

... Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to ... Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

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All JobsChef JobsTemp Chef JobsTemp Chef Jobs in Virginia

Temp Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do temp chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp chef in Virginia is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temp chef?

Temp chefs, also known as temporary chefs, are culinary professionals who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or private households. They may cover staff shortages, seasonal demand, special events, or provide expertise for a specific period. Temp chefs can have various specialties and skill levels, and their assignments can last from a single day to several months. Their flexibility allows businesses to maintain high standards and consistent service during busy periods or when permanent staff are unavailable.

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

To thrive as a Temp Chef, you need solid culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in a variety of kitchen settings, often supported by a culinary certificate or relevant work history. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and tools like inventory management systems is typically required. Strong adaptability, time management, and clear communication help you quickly integrate into new teams and work efficiently under pressure. These skills and qualities ensure you can deliver high-quality food and maintain kitchen standards in diverse, fast-changing environments.

What are some common challenges temp chefs face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Chefs often need to quickly acclimate to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics. This can involve learning new menus, understanding different food safety protocols, and building rapport with permanent staff—sometimes all within a single shift. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to ask questions are essential for success. Embracing these challenges helps Temp Chefs deliver high-quality results and maintain a positive reputation for future assignments.

What is the difference between Temp Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectTemp ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)Cooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in various kitchensFull-time or part-time in a specific kitchen
Employer UsageStaffing agencies, event catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften compared for temporary vs permanent rolesCommonly compared for kitchen roles

Temp Chefs and Line Cooks both require culinary skills and experience, but Temp Chefs work on temporary assignments across different kitchens, offering flexibility and variety. Line Cooks typically work full-time in a single establishment, focusing on consistent kitchen operations. The choice depends on whether you prefer temporary, diverse work or a stable, ongoing position in a specific kitchen environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Temp Chef jobs in Virginia?

For Temp Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temp Chef jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Temp Chef jobs in Virginia are:

Temp Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Catering Event Sous Chef

Arlington, VA • On-site

Main Event Caterers
See more jobs at Main Event Caterersexternal

$20 - $28/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Replies within 24 hours
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Flexible schedule

Are you passionate about creating exceptional culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression? Join our team at Main Event Caterers as a Catering Event Sous Chef! As a vital member of our culinary team, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity while delivering mouth-watering cuisine and exceptional service at our clients' special events.
We are always seeking talented individuals to join our Event Staff team. While we have an ongoing need for this role, please note that this is a continuous recruitment process. Applications are accepted at any time; however, there may not be immediate openings, and you may not be contacted right away. We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting us to check on your application status.
Responsibilities:
  • Plan, prepare, and execute culinary offerings for catering events, ensuring the highest quality of food presentation, taste, and overall culinary experience.
  • Coordinate with event planners, supervisors, and clients to understand their vision and requirements for each event, offering professional guidance and expertise when needed.
  • Manage all aspects of food preparation and kitchen organization to ensure seamless execution during events. This includes temporary setup and breakdown of kitchen and Crescors.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to industry hygiene standards and best practices.
  • Handle client inquiries and provide excellent customer service, addressing any concerns or special requests in a professional and timely manner.

Additional Responsibilities for Lead Chef:
If promoted to Lead Chef, you will be required to obtain a food handling or food management certification to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. When serving in the capacity of a Lead Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing and directing a team of kitchen staff during events, ensuring a smooth flow of operations and timely delivery of dishes.
Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as a chef or culinary professional, preferably in a catering or hospitality environment.
  • Strong culinary skills and creativity, with a passion for delivering exceptional food experiences.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the ability to work collaboratively with clients and team members.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, with a commitment to maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment.
  • Ability to handle high-pressure situations and multitask effectively in a fast-paced event setting.
  • Experience with leading others and the ability to oversee and direct a team of kitchen staff.
  • Lead Chefs must hold a relevant certification (e.g., ServSafe, or other food handling certification) and indicate this in their application.

Pay: The pay range for the Catering Event Sous Chef position ranges from $20 to $28 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Our company values the skills and expertise that each team member brings to the table, and we offer competitive compensation to reflect this. As you gain experience and demonstrate proficiency in your role, opportunities for advancement and increased pay may become available. We are committed to ensuring that our employees are fairly compensated for their contributions and have the opportunity to grow within our organization.
Compensation: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Crafting Memorable Experiences with Creativity and Elegance
At Main Event Caterers, we bring your vision to life by fulfilling your distinct needs with excitement, unparalleled creativity, and the freshest quality ingredients. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we infuse every event with flawless elegance and a passion for perfection.
Name the milestone, envision the mood you want to create, and dream big about the experience you wish to share with your guests. Then relax. And relax some more, as Main Event Caterers takes care of every detail, ensuring your unique event unfolds seamlessly, leaving you free to savor every moment.
Behind each event is our team of highly professional servers, bartenders, and staff who bring unparalleled dedication and expertise to every occasion. We employ only the best, ensuring that your guests receive exceptional service throughout.
If you're interested in joining our top-tier team or exploring the job opportunities we offer, we invite you to check out our .

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