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Chef Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Flik Hospitality Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

What You'll Be Doing As Sous Chef, you'll be a key partner to our Executive Chef, helping lead a talented culinary team through the daily rhythm of a bustling lounge kitchen. You'll bring creativity ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

What You'll Be Doing As Sous Chef, you'll be a key partner to our Executive Chef, helping lead a talented culinary team through the daily rhythm of a bustling lounge kitchen. You'll bring creativity ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL

$70K - $76K/yr

What You'll Be Doing As Sous Chef, you'll be a key partner to our Executive Chef, helping lead a talented culinary team through the daily rhythm of a bustling lounge kitchen. You'll bring creativity ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL

$70K - $76K/yr

What You'll Be Doing As Sous Chef, you'll be a key partner to our Executive Chef, helping lead a talented culinary team through the daily rhythm of a bustling lounge kitchen. You'll bring creativity ...

River Roast

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$68K - $72K/yr

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will help lead daily kitchen operations, mentor our culinary team, and ensure every dish reflects the quality and hospitality River Roast is ...

Arrow Technologies

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include ... Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates ...

News Bar

Chef

Chicago, IL

$28.85 - $34.62/hr

We're looking for a Chef who wants to help build something that lasts. This is an opportunity to own a culinary program, establish kitchen culture from day one, and work directly with ownership in a ...

The Radicle

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

PM Sous Chef -- The Radicle (Chicago, IL) The Radicle, a coastal Italian-inspired, Midwest cocktail ... If you're excited to help build something new -- where coastal Italian energy meets Midwest ...

New

LPM Kitchen

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

Sous Chef -- Private Chef & Catering Operation Location: Chicago, IL (The Hatchery) Job Type ... The right person will help shape what comes next. We are a meal prep company that also does full ...

Heritage Golf Group

Sous Chef

Lake In The Hills, IL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Help train new team members and reinforce established culinary standards. * Step into leadership responsibilities in the Executive Chef's absence. * Work collaboratively with front-of-house ...

News Bar

Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $72K/yr

We're looking for a Chef who wants to help build something that lasts. This is an opportunity to own a culinary program, establish kitchen culture from day one, and work directly with ownership in a ...

Doughboy Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a key role in supporting daily food operations, ensuring guest leave with a ... Monitor food costs and waste, helping to maintain budget targets. * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Doughboy Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a key role in supporting daily food operations, ensuring guest leave with a ... Monitor food costs and waste, helping to maintain budget targets. * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Market and Main Local Eatery

Sous Chef

Troy, IL

$20 - $25/hr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to ... help create a smooth, efficient kitchen operation. Key Responsibilities: * Kitchen Leadership:

Roka Akor | Chicago

Sushi Chef

Chicago, IL

$17 - $23/hr

Sushi Chef - Roka Akor Chicago Location: Chicago, IL Position: Full-Time Roka Akor is seeking a ... Join the team and help us create one of Chicago's most exciting dining experiences. More detail ...

Sunrise Senior Living

Sous Chef

River Forest, IL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

RH

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of the ... Partner with the Executive Chef in shaping the strategic direction of the kitchen, including ...

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All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in Illinois

Chef Helper information

See Illinois salary details

$6

$14

$27

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in Illinois is $14.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.60 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and good communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

What is a chef's helper called?

A chef's helper is commonly called a kitchen assistant or line cook assistant. They support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks in a professional kitchen environment.

What are some typical daily tasks and challenges faced by a Chef Helper in a professional kitchen?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

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

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision in a fast-paced environment, and may need to follow safety and hygiene standards.

How much is the salary for a kitchen helper?

The salary for a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced helpers or those in high-cost areas can earn more. Overtime and tips may also contribute to overall compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:
Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,077 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

SOUS CHEF

Flik Hospitality Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $70,000.00 - $76,000.00 / yr

Other Forms of Compensation: N/A 

What makes FLIK click


What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.
 

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

Sous Chef — United Airlines Lounge Operations | O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Ready to elevate your culinary career at 35,000 feet of hospitality — without ever leaving the ground?

FLIK is looking for a passionate, high-energy Sous Chef to join our exclusive airport luxury lounge team, serving United Airlines travelers at O'Hare. This is fine dining hospitality at the speed of flight — fast-paced, high-volume, and never boring. If you thrive under pressure, love creating wow-worthy cuisine, and want to be part of a culinary team that treats every guest like a first-class passenger, this role is your runway to something bigger. Due to tremendous growth within the lounge operations, we are seeking several talented Sous Chefs to join our team. 

What You'll Be Doing

As Sous Chef, you'll be a key partner to our Executive Chef, helping lead a talented culinary team through the daily rhythm of a bustling lounge kitchen. You'll bring creativity, consistency, and hospitality-first thinking to every dish, every service, every day.

  • Supervise, prepare, and execute daily menu items — from concept through garnish — ensuring every plate reflects our commitment to quality and consistency
  • Partner with the Executive Chef to develop new menus, plan seasonal offerings, and roll out fresh culinary programs alongside our marketing team
  • Assist with cost controls and manage expenditures to keep the operation running smoothly and efficiently
  • Produce and execute catering events with precision and flair
  • Supervise and mentor hourly culinary associates, building a strong, motivated kitchen team
  • Support ordering and inventory processes to keep the kitchen stocked and service seamless

What You Bring

  • An A.S. degree or equivalent hands-on culinary experience
  • Progressive culinary/kitchen management experience
  • A knack for high-volume, complex foodservice operations — airport, hotel, or similar fast-paced settings are a big plus
  • Catering and institutional/batch cooking experience is a bonus
  • Sharp knowledge of food and catering trends, with an eye for quality, sanitation, food cost control, and presentation
  • Comfort with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and everyday tech tools
  • A genuine enthusiasm for client satisfaction and guest experience
  • ServSafe certification is highly desirable
  • Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends — because great hospitality doesn't clock out

Why FLIK?

This is more than a kitchen job — it's a launchpad. You'll work in one of the most dynamic dining environments in the industry, surrounded by a team that values craftsmanship, creativity, and genuine care for the guest experience. If you're an entrepreneurial culinary professional ready to lead, grow, and make your mark, we'd love to welcome you aboard.

Apply today and take your culinary career to new heights with FLIK.

 
 

Apply to Flik today!

Flik is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1554450

Flik Hospitality Group 

Johanna P Heidler 

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