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Catering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hearty Boys Caterers

Catering Event Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Catering Event Cook Company: Hearty Boys Caterers Location: Off-site venues throughout Chicago Hearty Boys Caterers is hiring experienced Event Cooks for weddings, private parties, corporate ...

Hearty Boys Caterers

Catering Event Servers

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Catering Event Servers Company: Hearty Boys Caterers Location: Off-site venues throughout the Chicago area Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking experienced Catering Event Servers to join our team for off ...

New

Famous Daves

Catering

Rockford, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

BBQ Holdings

Catering

Rockford, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

BBQ Holdings

Catering

Rockford, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Catering Lead

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

Catering Lead REPORTS TO: General Manager, Kitchen Manager, Brand Catering Manager SUPERVISES: Cashiers, Cooks JOB SUMMARY: The Catering Lead at Hi-Pointe Drive-In oversees all store-level Catering ...

Corner Bakery

Catering Supervisor

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

Corner Bakery

Catering Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

Corner Bakery

Catering Supervisor

Warrenville, IL · On-site

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

Corner Bakery

Catering Supervisor

Skokie, IL · On-site

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

Corner Bakery

Catering Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

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All JobsCatering JobsCatering Jobs in Illinois

Catering information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$21

$34

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in Illinois is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is catering?

Catering is a service that provides food and beverages for events, gatherings, or organizations, often including preparation, delivery, set-up, and sometimes service staff. Caterers work for a variety of occasions such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and conferences. The service can range from delivering prepared meals to full-service event planning, including menu design, table settings, and cleanup. Catering companies work closely with clients to customize menus and ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

What is the difference between a caterer and a chef?

The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in catering, you need strong organizational skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in culinary preparation, often backed by a relevant food handling certificate. Familiarity with catering management software, commercial kitchen equipment, and event planning tools is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in dynamic, client-focused environments. These skills ensure events run smoothly, client expectations are met, and food safety and quality standards are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by catering professionals during large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering professionals often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to guest counts, accommodating dietary restrictions, and coordinating with multiple vendors or event planners. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and flexibility. Establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with clients and team members, and preparing contingency plans can help ensure events run smoothly and client expectations are met.

What is the difference between Catering vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCateringFood Service Worker
CredentialsOften requires food safety certifications, catering-specific trainingTypically requires basic food handling permits
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, private parties, corporate eventsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, catering servicesRestaurants, food establishments, hospitality industry
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing food at eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness

While both catering and food service workers handle food, catering focuses on preparing and serving food at special events and requires event-specific skills and certifications. Food service workers typically work in restaurants or cafeterias, providing daily customer service. The roles overlap in food handling but differ in environment and scope.

Is catering a good side hustle?

Catering can be a viable side hustle for those with cooking skills, organizational abilities, and customer service experience. It often involves flexible hours and the potential for additional income, but requires managing food safety, permits, and equipment. Success depends on local demand, marketing, and the ability to handle event logistics.

What does a catering job consist of?

A catering job involves preparing, serving, and delivering food and beverages for events such as parties, weddings, or corporate functions. It often requires setting up tables, maintaining cleanliness, and providing customer service, with skills in food safety and time management being important. The work environment can be fast-paced and may involve working evenings or weekends.
More about Catering jobs

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

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Catering jobs in Illinois?

For Catering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Catering jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Catering job openings:

Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,647 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Catering and Event Kitchen Staff

Catering by Michaels

Morton Grove, IL • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Are you a culinary professional with a flair for excitement? Elevate your culinary journey by becoming a Party Cook with Catering by Michaels.
Catering By Michaels has been one of Chicago's premier catering and event companies for over thirty years. We are well known for our 100% scratch kitchen, delicious cuisine, creative presentations and exceptional service. Additionally we are the only caterer in North America that is both Green Restaurant and Green Seal certified, following sustainable practices both in-house and at events. We have been honored to have catered some of Chicago's most high profile events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, The Black Creativity Gala, The Columbian Ball and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend among others. We enjoy preferred catering status at many of Chicago's most historic and iconic venues and are proud of our roots on the North Shore, as well as the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We are passionate about providing a beautiful and creative epicurean experience that truly captures the unique flavor and style of every event. We believe that catering is more than just food on a plate, it's our goal to exceed expectations and create an unforgettable experience.
Work as a part time member of the Catering by Michaels Kitchen Team at off-site catered parties in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Shifts are sent to you via our scheduling platform, and you can accept or decline parties as they come through!
Your Role:
As a Party Cook, you'll be at the heart of our culinary events, showcasing your back of house skills in:
  1. Culinary Excellence: Prepare, cook, and present a diverse range of dishes with efficiency and finesse.
  2. Event Collaboration: Contribute to the full-service catering experience, participating in both setup and teardown alongside your team.
  3. Menu Mastery: Work under the guidance of our Party Chefs to prepare appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts for both buffet and plated meals.
  4. Cleanliness Commitment: Maintain a tidy and organized kitchen space through cleanup and dishwashing duties.

What We're Seeking:
  • Passionate Individuals: If you have a genuine love for food and cooking, we want to hear from you.
  • Team Player: Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where effective teamwork is essential.
  • Age and Accessibility: Must be 18 or older and have reliable transportation to and from work outside of CTA. As an off premise Caterer, we do events all over Illinois and Chicago.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in English and/or Spanish.
  • Adaptability: Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment without compromising on quality.
  • Grooming & Sanitation: Uphold high standards of cleanliness and hygiene as well as food safety.

Why Join Us?
  • Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a company that values passion and creativity.
  • Craft Memorable Experiences: Contribute to creating IMPACT moments that linger in the hearts of our clients and guests.
  • Professional Growth: Opportunities to learn and grow within the culinary industry.

Apply