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Assistant Cook Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

New

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$16.28 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food service routine within a short period. Set up meal trays. Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with ...

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.15 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food service routine within a short period. Set up meal trays. Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with ...

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.13 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food service routine within a short period. Set up meal trays. Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with ...

Shift Lead

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Caregiver

Forsyth, IL

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Safe Mobility: Assist with movement and transfers (including hoyer lifts and gait belts) * Homemaking & Meal Prep: Create a safe, clean home environment with light housekeeping, laundry, and cooking

Companion Caregiver

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Help clients take prescribed medication * Assist clients with ambulation and mobility around the ... Knowledge of housekeeping activities and cooking with attention to dietary constraints

Live-In Certified Nurse Aide

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Help clients take prescribed medication * Assist clients with ambulation and mobility around the ... Knowledge of housekeeping activities and cooking with attention to dietary constraints

Food Service Worker Lead - Decatur SD #61

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate and assist in setting up and breaking down stations designated by the manager. * Cook and otherwise prepare foods according to recipes and directions. * Responsible for use of accurate ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Cook information

See Decatur, IL salary details

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How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Decatur, IL is $15.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant cook?

Assistant Cooks are kitchen staff members who support chefs and head cooks in preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting with basic cooking techniques. Assistant Cooks also help with cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen, especially in busy restaurants or catering services.

What does an assistant cook do?

Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.

How does an assistant cook typically collaborate with the kitchen team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, an Assistant Cook works closely with chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations. This includes prepping ingredients, supporting the assembly of dishes, and maintaining cleanliness at workstations. Effective communication is key, as instructions often come quickly and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and proactive in assisting team members helps maintain efficiency and high food quality standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingHigh school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep workPrepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles, support tasksCompared for active cooking during service

The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Assistant Cook job openings:

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Panda Restaurant Group

Forsyth, IL • On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Panda Express rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 732 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate

We’re looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with team members who become friends. There’s always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you! You’ll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We’re all about giving back, so you’ll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative. Let’s work together.


Essential Functions for Kitchen Team Associates:

  • Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests – Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register
  • Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store
  • Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food
  • Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions – Front counter, Drive Through or Kitchen 
  • Work effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.


Qualification:

  • Friendly and helpful team members 
  • Operations experience is a plus
  • Some high school
  • Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at your expense


How we reward you:**


  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates 
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.


ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.

Pay Range: $17 per hour - $23.80 per hour


*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.



What Panda Express employees say

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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US