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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook 3

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.16 - $27.66/hr

High school graduate and an apprenticeship, cooking school or culinary institute education. * Highly developed sense of taste and comprehensive sauce preparation skills. What we offer: * Compensation ...

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook ... Electrician Apprentice is responsible for assisting electricians with construction, testing ...

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook ... Electrician Apprentice is responsible for assisting electricians with construction, testing ...

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook ... Electrician Apprentice is responsible for assisting electricians with construction, testing ...

Cook

Westmont, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of WestmontJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Palos Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of Palos ParkJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Lombard, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise at Fountain SquareJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

COMMUNITY NAMEBrighton Gardens of WheatonJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of Park RidgeJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Naperville, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of NapervilleJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of SchaumburgJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: PART_TIME

Cook

Willowbrook, IL

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

COMMUNITY NAMESunrise of WillowbrookJOB OVERVIEWThe Cook uses their knowledge and experience in ... Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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Apprentice Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Chicago, IL is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

What are apprentice cooks?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,063 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Cook 3

$26.16 - $27.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Four Seasons Hotels rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 104 rated hotels


Job description

About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.
About the location:
Our property is a vibrant hub of culture, style and energy and includes our newly transformed restaurant which embodies iconic luxury boldly reimagined to capture the essence of Chicago through inspired food, drink, art and music. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is honored to be ranked as one of Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Top 50 Hotels in the World. We offer 345 elegant guest rooms and suites: and a luxury spa. We are located steps away from the famed Magnificent Mile, glamorous North Michigan Avenue shopping and minutes from the city's business and financial center. Adorn Restaurant features globally inspired cuisine starring the bounty of the Midwest. Adorn Bar showcases craft cocktails and a wine list that sparks conversation, all with a lively, convivial vibe beckoning to be discovered.
About the role
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is looking for a Cook 3 who shares a passion for excellence and who infuses enthusiasm into everything they do. We are looking for an energetic, experienced cooking professional with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and has a passion for service and hospitality. The Cook 3 is an essential member of the Food & Beverage team, dedicated to preparing specialized innovative cuisine per guest orders in accordance with production requirements and quality standards while maintaining a safe, sanitary work environment. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about cuisine!
What you will do
  • Maintain a good working relationship with other employees providing encouragement as needed.
  • Make requisitions of all items needed for the next day, with the assistance of the Sous Chef on duty.
  • Adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures; maintain temperature and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) logs as required; and maintain appropriate dating, labeling, and rotation of all food items.
  • Communicate with Sous Chefs and the Executive Sous Chef regarding menu items, problem situations or shortages.
  • Ability to ensure an adequate supply of materials for the shift and bring up to par those items needed.
  • Set up the station by obtaining all equipment and materials needed, prepare all items needed for station and prepare station for service.
  • Ability to prepare and plate all items received from the computer system in a timely and accurate manner and communicate with cooks regarding timing.
  • Properly break down the station by storing foods properly and carefully labeling them.
  • Ability to listen to customer complaints, special requests, dietary requirements and suggestions, and resolve accordingly.
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment at all times.
  • Ability to handle and report any accident immediately, no matter how minor.
  • Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times to reflect the high standards of Four Seasons Hotels and encourage staff to do the same.
  • Respond properly in any hotel emergency or safety situation.
  • Follow all guidelines for timely food service to guests using knowledge of Four Seasons Food Standards.
  • Multi-Task with a high attention to detail while remaining calm and being attentive to one's surroundings in a loud, fast paced, distracting environment.
  • Operate, maintain and properly clean a deep fryer, broiler, stove, steamer, food processor, mixer, meat and cheese slicer, oven, steam table, tilt kettle, waffle iron and flat top grill.
  • Ability to work entire shifts while supporting other kitchens & stations.
  • Further duties not currently listed in this outline may be added at the manager's discretion.

What you bring
  • ServeSafe Certification.
  • Proficient knife skills.
  • ServeSafe allergen training.
  • Reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language.
  • High school graduate and an apprenticeship, cooking school or culinary institute education.
  • Highly developed sense of taste and comprehensive sauce preparation skills.

What we offer:
  • Compensation: $26.16- $27.66 per hour
  • Energizing Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self!
  • Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you elevate your craft.
  • Competitive wages and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision and Retirement Plan) as well as Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan including Employer Matching Program
  • Inclusive and diverse employee engagement & recognition events all year-round.
  • Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons
  • Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms & Employee Meals
  • And so much more!

Schedule & Hours:
  • Full Time
  • PM Required
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Candidates must have valid work authorization for the U.S.
Please note that due to the large number of responses we receive, only candidates being considered for the above position will be contacted for an interview.
Learn more about Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts by visiting us below:
Instagram: @FSChicago
Twitter: @FSChicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotelChicago/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/four-seasons-hotels-and-resorts/jobs/
Learn More About Who We Are: We Are Four Seasons
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran and need a reasonable accommodation to use or access our online system, please contact the People & Culture Department at 312-649-2153.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of our award winning team, while developing your career with the world's leading luxury hotel company! We look forward to receiving your application!
Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

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