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Apprentice Pastry Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Pastry Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$24

$39

How much do apprentice pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice pastry chef in Illinois is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice pastry chef?

Apprentice pastry chefs are entry-level culinary professionals who work under the supervision of experienced pastry chefs to learn the skills and techniques required to create baked goods and desserts. Their responsibilities often include assisting with preparation, measuring ingredients, following recipes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. This role is designed to provide hands-on training and experience, allowing apprentices to develop their craft and eventually advance to higher positions within the pastry or baking field.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning experiences of an apprentice pastry chef?

As an Apprentice Pastry Chef, you’ll be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks, such as preparing dough, baking pastries, decorating cakes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. You’ll work closely with experienced pastry chefs and learn essential techniques, including precise measuring, mixing, and presentation skills. The environment is often fast-paced, especially during busy service times, so adaptability and teamwork are key. Apprentices also gain insight into inventory management and may assist with menu development, providing a comprehensive foundation for future advancement in the pastry field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice pastry chef?

To thrive as an Apprentice Pastry Chef, you need a strong grasp of basic baking techniques, attention to detail, and a passion for pastry arts, often complemented by formal culinary training or enrollment in a relevant program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and recipe management systems is typically required. Creativity, willingness to learn, teamwork, and time management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure consistent, high-quality pastry production, support smooth kitchen operations, and foster professional growth in a demanding culinary environment.

What is the difference between Apprentice Pastry Chef vs Pastry Chef?

AspectApprentice Pastry ChefPastry Chef
CredentialsBasic culinary training, often in progressFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentAssisting in pastry preparation under supervisionLeading pastry production, creating menus
ResponsibilitiesLearning techniques, supporting pastry teamDesigning recipes, managing pastry station

The main difference between an Apprentice Pastry Chef and a Pastry Chef is experience and responsibility level. An Apprentice Pastry Chef is in training, focusing on learning skills and assisting in the kitchen. A Pastry Chef has more experience, takes on leadership roles, and is responsible for creating and managing pastry menus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Apprentice Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Pastry Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Apprentice Pastry Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Apprentice Pastry Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Pastry Chef job openings in Illinois 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 $50,430 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Pastry Cook - Pastry

Rockford, IL • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Our team members are the key to our company’s success, and their health and well-being, as well as that of their families, is very important to us. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that allows our team members stay healthy, plan for their future and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Benefits may vary with employment status.  To see our fill list of Team Member Benefits please visit our career site: www.gotoworkhappy.com/benefits

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position is responsible for properly preparing any and all foods listed on the respective menus that are to be grilled, fried, broiled, baked, boiled, braised, poached in an assigned kitchen outlet.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(These functions are intended as a general illustration of the work performed in this job classification and are not all inclusive for this position)

  • Creates an atmosphere that induces guests to make Hard Rock Casino Rockford their choice for gaming entertainment; responsible for actively building and retaining guest relations and acts as a mentor to team members to provide superior guest service.
  • Prepares foods that are to be grilled, fried, broiled, baked, boiled, braised, poached or prepared in the pantry; ensures that all plates or pans served are aesthetically appealing and cooked to the specifications of the customer and the chef.
  • Recognizes a variety of sauces and properly places them on all entrees featured on daily menus.
  • Keeps workstation neat and clean.
  • Assist co-workers to ensure efficient operation of the kitchen.
  • On occasion, you may perform duties for special events/ parties.
  • Ensures cleanliness of working area; reports all equipment for safety failures, hazardous areas and accidents.
  • Ensures the proper storing of any foods, including those from a previous function.
  • Ensures that items are fully stocked, and equipment is in good working condition.
  • Ensures the proper closing down of workstations.
  • Assists with other duties at special events or parties and assisting where necessary to include but not limited to carving, cooking, setting up and or teardown stations or work areas or other duties as assigned.
  • Attend and participate in meetings, completing follow-up as assigned.
  • Perform work regularly and predictably.
  • Responsible for cleaning and sanitizing work and public spaces.
  • Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Attend seminars when needed.

EDUCATION AND /OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

(Related education and experience may be interchangeable on a year for year basis)

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate’s Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing, etc.):

  • Must obtain and maintain all licenses / certifications per Federal, State, and Illinois Gaming Commission.
  • Must successfully pass background check.
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be able to work holidays and weekends, as well as flexible shifts.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Basic food preparation knowledge and line work experience.

ABILITY TO:

  • Be flexible to work varying shifts and time schedules as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with all levels of employees and guests.
  • Use all equipment associated with the position, including, but not limited to, choppers, slicers, mixers and grinders.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. The Team Member understands that employment with the Company is at-will and that no express and/or implied contract of employment exists unless it is in writing and signed by your Department Head.  The Team Member further understands that conditions may require the Company to modify this Job Description and that the Company reserves the right to exercise its discretion to make such changes.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Any job posting or information about careers at Hard Rock Casino Rockford is from 815 Entertainment dba Hard Rock Casino Rockford and you will work for 815 Entertainment as your prospective employer. This means your application is submitted to and reviewed solely by this location, who will make any hiring decisions. If hired, 815 Entertainment dba Hard Rock Casino Rockford will be your employer and is alone responsible for any employment related matters.

Pay Range:

$15 - $20/