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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

High school graduate and an apprenticeship, cooking school or culinary institute education is prefered. Candidates must have valid work authorization for the U.S. Please note that due to the large ...

A cook 2 - Slice prepares hot and cold foods, , follows the proper preparation for all food recipes ... Apprenticeship at a technical school in culinary Arts preferred. * 1-3 years related experience and ...

COOK 2 - Part Time

Elgin, IL · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

A cook 2 - Slice prepares hot and cold foods, , follows the proper preparation for all food recipes ... Apprenticeship at a technical school in culinary Arts preferred. * 1-3 years related experience and ...

Sushi Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Sushi Cook Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US ... Culinary degree, formal sushi apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred ...

Sushi Cook Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US ... Culinary degree, formal sushi apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred ...

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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 Jul 14, 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.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in professional kitchens. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may require a minimum age or prior food service experience. Apprenticeships help develop skills such as food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations.

What is a cooking apprenticeship?

A cooking apprenticeship is a structured training program where an apprentice cook learns culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation under the supervision of experienced chefs. It often involves hands-on work, skill development, and may lead to certification or qualification in culinary arts.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice cooks can be of any age, including 27, as apprenticeships are open to individuals seeking to develop culinary skills regardless of age. Many programs welcome mature learners who bring life experience and a strong work ethic, and age is rarely a barrier to entry in culinary apprenticeships.

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.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Apprentice cooks can often enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as programs are designed to teach foundational skills. Basic knowledge of kitchen safety, hygiene, and a strong interest in cooking can be beneficial, but formal experience is not always required for admission. Culinary schools typically provide hands-on training to develop necessary skills for a cooking career.

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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,063 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Cook 1

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Four Seasons Hotels rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 106 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.
Join Our Team
We invite you to apply to join our Four Seasons Hotel Chicago team as a Cook 1!
Our property is a vibrant hub of culture, style and energy. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is honored to be ranked as one of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United States.
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.
Our Open Opportunity
The Cook 1 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! Attention to detail and a strong work ethic are required in this position. The ideal candidate works together with other team members on a daily basis to ensure a flawlessly executed final product; and the ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors is required. Responsibilities include creating an environment where motivated people want to join, learn, do their best and advance.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
  • ServeSafe Certification.
  • Proficient knife skills.

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

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.
About Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts can offer what many hospitality professionals dream of--the opportunity to build a life-long career with global potential and a real sense of pride in work well done. We look for talent who share the Golden Rule - people who, by nature, believe in treating others as we would have them treat us. As Four Seasons works towards phenomenal growth in the next decade, our most valuable partners continue to be our talent, with whom we have a strong relationship based on the Golden Rule. This relationship is made tangible by the awards received year after year by Four Seasons on a corporate level, as well as by our hotels, resorts and residences around the world, making us an undisputed "employer of choice."
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.
"The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion, and culture. It's the Golden Rule - the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same." - Isadore Sharp, Founder and Chairman Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Benefits of Working at Four Seasons
  • Compensation Range $27.16-$28.66
  • 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!

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/
Career Opportunities: jobs.fourseasons.com
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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