1

Apprentice Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

ELECTRICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55.44/hr

Trade School or Industrial Apprenticeship degree in Electric or Electronic Trades * Minimum of 5 ... Must know Chicago electrical codes and Cook County permitting requirements * Ability to follow ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

... cooking, garnishing and portion sizes are as prescribed by standardized recipes * Assists the ... Culinary School Graduate, Apprentice Program Graduate or any combination of education and ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 is an apprentice cook?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,063 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Prep Cook - Huntington Bank Pavilion

ASM Global

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


ASM Global rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 250 rated facilities management


Job description

THE ROLE

This position is responsible for preparing and cooking food items in a fast-casual space to ensure guest satisfaction and maximize food revenues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Must maintain a friendly, positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times
  • Direct, implement, and maintain a guest service philosophy that serves as a guide to fellow associates
  • Regularly meet with supervision to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes, and other information pertinent to job performance
  • Ensure that only the highest-of-quality product is served to our guests
  • Maintain and abide by County Health/Sanitation as well as Legends Hospitality standards
  • Provide efficient service and quality products by maintaining positive customer and client relations through effective communication and prudent financial practices
  • Ensure that all equipment is in proper operational condition and is cleaned on a regular basis
  • Shows flexibility by rotating to other service locations when necessary

Performs other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Ideal candidate will be ServSafe Certified
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the contract foodservice industry, preferably in premium services, catering, and concessions environments for a sports and/or entertainment venue
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline-oriented environment
  • Strong commitment to delivering a high level of customer and client service with demonstrated initiative and leadership
  • Customer service oriented with the ability to interact with all levels of management
  • Must be flexible to work extended hours due to business requirements including late nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to work in a team environment
  • High level of organization and attention to detail
  • Must be able to remain calm under stressful situations
  • Must be able to smile, maintain positive body language, and consistently provide positive guest service
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to make evaluations and decisions without immediate supervision
  • Must be able to accept and carry out responsibility for directions
  • Practice safe work habits, follow all safety policies and procedures and regulations, complete company-wide safety training and additional job specific safety training

pay rate: $19 per hour

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or genetic information.


What ASM Global employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ASM Global logo

About ASM Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management. ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world's most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. As the world's most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China and Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2019