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Temporary Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Potomac Family Dining Group

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:

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

$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 · 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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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Temporary Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Washington, DC 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, DC?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:

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

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

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

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

Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Line Cook

Potomac Family Dining Group

La Plata, MD • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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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