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Assistant Cook Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Restaurant Line Cook

Naperville, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $23/hr

Follow food safety and sanitation standards * Assist kitchen team during busy hours Prep Cook * Prepare vegetables, sauces, meats, and ingredients for daily service * Portion and organize food items

Cook I

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27.06/hr

Cook 1 Reports to: Culinary Management Summary Position: Assist the Sous Chefs in a leadership role in the everyday operation thru the performance of duties. Duties to include requisition ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$14.25 - $18/hr

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency * Assist cooks and chefs with food preparation as needed * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment * Properly store food ...

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Assistant Cook information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Naperville, IL is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation techniques, and certification in food handling are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and upholding health 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 are Assistant Cooks?

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 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 Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in Naperville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Cook job openings in Naperville, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,211 per year, or $16 per hour.

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Assistant Cook/Assistant Cook
Date Posted:
5/18/2026
Location:
Pathways Campus
(High-Needs School)
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Salary and Benefits in accordance to the Cafeteria Handbook to view this document please visit www.jths.org
Attachment(s):
  • Assistant Cook Job Description.pdf