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Temp Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Potomac Family Dining Group

Line Cook

La Plata, MD

$15.75 - $19.75/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

District Heights, MD · On-site

$16.75 - $21/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

La Plata, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/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

Alexandria, VA

$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:

BEAT THE BOMB

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

A Cook will help in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both Beat The Bomb's customers and ... Complete appropriate time/temp checklists * Clean and Sanitize kitchen at beginning and end of ...

Beat The Bomb

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

A Cook will help in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both Beat The Bomb's customers and ... Complete appropriate time/temp checklists * Clean and Sanitize kitchen at beginning and end of ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Annapolis, MD

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

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Temp Cook information

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How much do temp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp cook in Washington is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.13 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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington are:

Temp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,803 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Line Cook

Potomac Family Dining Group

La Plata, MD

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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.

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