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Temporary Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Cook Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of ... Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.

José Andrés Group

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Pastry Cook Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of ... Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.

Jose Andres Group

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Cook Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of ... Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.

Compass Group

GRILL COOK

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$18.75/hr

Prior grill cook/prep cook experience a plus! * Perks: Willing to train, paid time off, free meals ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

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Temporary Cook information

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How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Washington is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cook?

Temporary cooks are culinary professionals hired for a limited period to prepare and cook food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, catering events, hotels, or institutional kitchens. They often fill in during staff shortages, busy seasons, or special events. Temporary cooks may be employed through staffing agencies or directly by employers, and their assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks. They are expected to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and follow the specific recipes, safety, and hygiene standards of each workplace.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and experience with various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food storage protocols is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for success in fast-paced, changing environments. These competencies ensure efficient service, food quality, and seamless integration into different kitchen teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectTemporary CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSame as temporary; often requires additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various settings like events, catering, or seasonal kitchensLong-term employment in restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, project-based, or seasonalPermanent, ongoing employment
Employer UsageEvent companies, catering services, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools

Temporary Cooks typically work on short-term or seasonal projects, often through agencies or for specific events, while Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a consistent work environment. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Cook jobs in Washington?

For Temporary Cook jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Temporary Cook job openings:

Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Pastry Cook

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Washington, DC

$19.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Title: Pastry Cook
Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine
Department: Back of House - Pastry
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt


About Jose Andres Group

Jose Andres Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef Jose Andres, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.


Position Summary

Pastry Cooks execute precise mise en place and production for all pastry items-ensuring quality, consistency, and timing that meet JAG standards. You'll scale recipes, assemble and finish desserts, support service plating, and uphold rigorous food safety, labeling, and organization. This role thrives on accuracy, pace, and craftsmanship.


Key Responsibilities

Mise en Place & Production

  • Execute daily prep lists to spec: cakes, tarts, custards, mousses, curds, cremeux, pate a choux, laminated doughs, cookies, sables, glazes, and sauces.
  • Scale recipes accurately (metric & imperial), temper chocolate, prepare ganache/praline, and finish items to standard.
  • Operate proofing, baking, and chilling schedules to hit pars for service, banquets, and retail/pastry case.

Finishing, Plating & Service Support

  • Portion and finish desserts with consistent textures and presentation; maintain garnish standards.
  • Set up pastry station for service; coordinate with expo to protect ticket times and product integrity.
  • Execute preset/event desserts and PDR/BEO specifications with accuracy.

Quality & Consistency

  • Taste and calibrate products for balance, texture, and bake; log adjustments per SOP.
  • Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.
  • Participate in tastings; provide constructive feedback and apply coaching in real time.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

  • Adhere to DOH/HACCP: cooling logs, hot/cold holding, allergen and cross-contact protocols, and personal hygiene.
  • Label/date all products; practice FIFO and track hold times/shelf life; maintain temperature records.
  • "Clean as you go"; complete opening/closing sidework and scheduled deep cleans.

Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control

  • Assist with receiving: check quantities, temperatures, and quality; store promptly in proper zones.
  • Maintain accurate yields and waste logs; minimize waste through smart batch sizes and storage.
  • Keep walk-ins, freezers, and dry storage organized, labeled, and mapped.

Equipment & Maintenance

  • Safely operate mixers, ovens, sheeters, proofers, dehydrators, blast chillers, chocolate tempering machines, and small tools.
  • Perform basic care (calibrate scales, clean attachments) and escalate repair needs; tag out unsafe equipment.

Teamwork & Culture

  • Communicate clearly with pastry, culinary, and FOH teams; support during peak periods and events.
  • Attend line-ups/trainings; learn new items quickly and share best practices.
  • Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • 1+ year of professional pastry/bakery experience in upscale casual, casual-fine, fine dining, or hotel pastry; culinary/pastry program a plus.
  • Strong scaling and baking fundamentals (mixing methods, proofing, tempering chocolate, glazing, finishing).
  • Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and sanitation; valid Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Excellent organization, attention to detail, and pace under pressure; clear communication.
  • Schedule flexibility (early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

  • Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motion.
  • Lift/carry/push/pull up to 35-50 lbs. (bags of flour/sugar, sheet trays, equipment).
  • Frequent exposure to heat, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals; slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You

  • Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for cross-training and advancement
  • Eligible health & wellness benefits (for qualifying positions)
  • Employee dining and partner discounts
  • Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity EmployerJose Andres Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

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