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Chef Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

LEGAL SEA FOODS

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

You'll work side-by-side with an Executive Chef, help shape the guest experience, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of culinary talent. What You'll Do * Lead the kitchen ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $73K/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 ...

Flik Hospitality Group

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $73K/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 - $73K/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 - $73K/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 ...

Sous | Chicago

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL

$35 - $45/hr

Sous is an in-home personal chef marketplace, connecting chefs with clients for weekly meal prep ... We work to help our customers de-stress, eat better and live longer. More detail about Sous ...

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 ...

S.K.Y. Restaurant

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $65K/yr

Led by Chef Stephen Gillanders, S.K.Y. is the flagship concept of SMG Restaurants, known for ... Help foster a kitchen culture built around accountability, creativity, and teamwork. Perks ...

Great Coast Commons

Sous Chef

Kenilworth, IL

$65K - $72K/yr

... help lead a small, disciplined kitchen. Experienced Line Cook Ready to Step Up Considered Step-up candidates will be considered toward the entry range. Experienced Sous Chefs with proven service ...

Private Listing

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $75K/yr

Help manage food cost, waste reduction, and labor efficiency * Maintain cleanliness, organization ... Minimum 2 years of Sous Chef or kitchen management experience * Experience in high-volume, full ...

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 ...

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 ...

RH

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/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 ...

Restoration Hardware

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/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 ...

Little Lark

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

The Sous Chef. will work with our chef team to operate the kitchen and oversee BOH Staff and the ... help those around you. Team player mentality. * Other duties as assigned Required Experience and ...

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Chef Helper information

See Illinois salary details

$6

$14

$27

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

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?

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.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chef Helper jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chef Helper job openings:

Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,077 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

LEGAL SEA FOODS
Restaurants • 1 - 5K employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about LEGAL SEA FOODSexternal

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Leadership Team

At Legal Sea Foods, our passion for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood is at the heart of everything we do. We bring New England's coastal flavors to life through elevated cuisine, a commitment to quality, and a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional hospitality.

We're looking for a talented Sous Chef who is ready to lead, inspire, and grow within a high-performing culinary team.

Why This Role is Exciting

This is more than a Sous Chef position, it's an opportunity to be a key leader in a kitchen that values craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous growth. You'll work side-by-side with an Executive Chef, help shape the guest experience, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of culinary talent.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the kitchen alongside the Executive Chef and drive daily operations
  • Ensure every dish reflects our standards for quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Coach, develop, and motivate a high-performing culinary team
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe environment
  • Support inventory, ordering, and cost management

What You Bring

  • Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Kitchen Manager ready to take the next step
  • A passion for seafood and high-quality ingredients
  • Leadership presence with a hands-on, team-first mentality
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • A commitment to excellence in both food and team development

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and health savings options
  • 401(k) with company match opportunities
  • Paid time off designed to support rest, recharge, and work-life balance
  • Structured manager training program with hands-on development from day one, supported by ongoing learning through in-person sessions, virtual training, language support, and leadership podcasts
  • Career growth with defined paths to advancement, with more than half of our managers promoted from within the company
  • Ownership of your team, including hiring, development, and performance
  • Wellness programs that support your well-being, with fitness and healthcare incentives that reward participation
  • A culture built on accountability, teamwork, and high standards, where leaders are expected to develop people and deliver results

Legal Sea Foods participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an online system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. All new hires will be required to complete Form I-9 and successfully participate in the E-Verify process.

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