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Temp Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Potomac Family Dining Group

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Temps all food items per Concord * Receives all incoming food * Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand * General utility work as assigned including:

Potomac Family Dining Group

Line Cook

La Crosse, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Temps all food items per Concord * Receives all incoming food * Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand * General utility work as assigned including:

Applebee's

Line Cook

Staunton, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Temps all food items per Concord * Receives all incoming food * Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand * General utility work as assigned including:

Applebee's

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Temps all food items per Concord * Receives all incoming food * Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand * General utility work as assigned including:

Applebee's

Line Cook

Winchester, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Temps all food items per Concord * Receives all incoming food * Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand * General utility work as assigned including:

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Position: Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime - 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt ... Daily - Cleaning and Temp. Log b. Weekly - Grocery Shopping, Rotating Supplies Based on Dates ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt Supervised By ... Daily Cleaning and Temp. Log b. Weekly Grocery Shopping, Rotating Supplies Based on Dates, Turning ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Position: Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime - 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt ... Daily - Cleaning and Temp. Log b. Weekly - Grocery Shopping, Rotating Supplies Based on Dates ...

Rooftop of Virginia

Cook

Hillsville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Position: Cook Department: Head Start Duration: Fulltime - 12 Months Pay Grade: H2 Non-Exempt ... Daily - Cleaning and Temp. Log b. Weekly - Grocery Shopping, Rotating Supplies Based on Dates ...

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Lead cooks are responsible for the daily success of the kitchen by preparing each shift with ... Logs : Responsible for the completion of temp logs and other required log books for health ...

Arvada

$24 - $27/hr

The cooks at these locations prepare already planned menus, recipes and meals for daily operations ... Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for ...

Arvada

$19/hr

The cooks at these locations prepare already planned menus, recipes and meals for daily operations ... Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for ...

Compass Group

COOK

Wise, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prior line cook or grill cook experience preferred. * Perks: Uniforms provided, shift meals ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Wise, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prior line cook or grill cook experience preferred. * Perks: Uniforms provided, shift meals ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$22.20/hr

Prior production cooking experience preferred. * Pay Range: $20.20 per hour to $22.20 per hour. We ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Viva Senior Living

Cook

VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook DEPARTMENT: Dietary REPORTS TO: Food Service Director POSITION SUMMARY: * The essential ... temporary staffing shortages, etc.). * Must adhere to Viva Senior Living's attendance policies and ...

Fredericksburg Al Opco LLC

Cook

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook DEPARTMENT: Dietary REPORTS TO: Food Service Director POSITION SUMMARY: * The essential ... temporary staffing shortages, etc.). * Must adhere to Viva Senior Living's attendance policies and ...

Bowery Danville

Cook

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook DEPARTMENT: Dietary REPORTS TO: Dining Service Director POSITION SUMMARY: * The essential ... temporary staffing shortages, etc.). * Must adhere to Viva Senior Living's attendance policies and ...

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Temp Cook information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do temp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp cook in Virginia is $15.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temp cook?

Temp cooks are culinary professionals who work on a temporary basis, often filling in for permanent staff at restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or other food service establishments. They may be hired through staffing agencies or directly by businesses to cover short-term needs such as staff shortages, special events, or busy seasons. Temp cooks are expected to quickly adapt to different kitchens, follow recipes and safety standards, and maintain high food quality. Their work can vary from basic food prep to full meal preparation, depending on the assignment. This role offers flexibility and exposure to different culinary environments.

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

To thrive as a Temp Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and prior kitchen experience, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and basic inventory management are commonly required. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication help temp cooks excel in varied, fast-paced environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and seamless integration into different teams and settings.

How do I become a temp cook with no experience?

To become a temp cook with no experience, start by gaining basic cooking skills through online tutorials or cooking classes. Apply to staffing agencies or temp agencies that place cooks, and be willing to work flexible hours; some positions may require food safety certifications like ServSafe. Demonstrating a positive attitude and willingness to learn can help you secure entry-level temporary cooking jobs.

What is the difference between Temp Cook vs Part-Time Cook?

AspectTemp CookPart-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsConsistent schedule, same location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedRegular, scheduled hours
Industry UsageEvent catering, seasonal workRestaurants, cafes, catering

Temp Cooks typically work on short-term assignments at various locations, often for events or seasonal needs, requiring similar credentials as part-time cooks. Part-Time Cooks have a regular schedule at a specific establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require basic culinary skills and food safety certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

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

Temp Cooks often work in unfamiliar kitchens with varying equipment, menus, and workflows, which can make it challenging to quickly integrate and perform efficiently. They must be able to learn new procedures rapidly, adapt to different team dynamics, and maintain high standards under time constraints. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential, as Temp Cooks regularly collaborate with permanent staff and must uphold consistency in food quality despite changing environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Temp Cook jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Temp Cook job openings:
Temp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,519 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Line Cook

Potomac Family Dining Group

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Labor orientated position primarily responsible for food preparation for guests in the restaurant according to Potomac Family Dining Group and Applebee’s brand standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:
  • Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook station according to station
  • Maintains product presentations, product quality, and cook time
  • Prepares all menu items according to Applebee’s recipes, Plate Presentations, and
  • Maintains a clean and organized work
  • Practices safe and sanitary food handling at all
  • Cleans and sanitizes the work area before, during, and after the
  • Completes assigned daily and weekly cleaning
  • Effectively manages inventory using FIFO
  • Controls food waste, spoilage and food
  • Temps all food items per Concord
  • Receives all incoming food
  • Clocks in tickets and assures ticket cook times meet or exceed company and brand
  • General utility work as assigned including:
    • Scrapes and pre-rinses food from dirty dishes and places them in the dishwashing
    • Washes pots, pans and trays by hand and/or
    • Washes work area tables, walls, refrigerator equipment, cooking equipment, and
    • Removes trash and garbage to the dumpster
    • Cleans garbage cans and trash
    • Assembles, maintains and breaks down dish
EQUIPMENT/ COMPUTER SKILLS:
  • Broiler, Grill and Mid Stations within a kitchen
  • Weight and measurement devices
  • Cooking tools and utensils
  • Dishwashing station and equipment
  • Operation of cleaning tools such as cleaning cloths, buckets, brooms, mops, hoses
  • Pots, Pans and trays
  • Computer monitor and kitchen order management systems
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Friendly and engaging demeanor
  • 18+ years old
  • Prior kitchen work experience preferred
  • ServeSafe Food certificate a plus
  • High School Degree or GED preferred
  • Reading, writing, basic math, and verbal communication skills required
  • Bi-lingual experience a plus
  • Reliable transportation required
  • Ability to be a team player
  • Ability to follow manager instructions and guidance
  • Ability to communicate and behave professionally at all times
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Transport cases up to 50 pounds up to 20 times per
  • Ability to place utensils, plates, pans and cases on both high and low
  • Able to respond in emergency situations to avoid imminent danger to self and
  • Capable of using knives, slicing equipment and other food preparation
  • Mobility required during the entire
  • A good sense of balance and the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds on a regular and continuing
  • Standing for long periods of time, up to 4 hours per
  • Ability to speak clearly and listen attentively to employees, dining room staff, and
  • Finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and

Travel: Less than 5%

WORKING CONDITIONS: Subject to wet floors, hot and damp environment, extreme temperatures, and loud noises, fast-paced.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply