1

Chef Hourly Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hourly Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Hourly Sous Chef - Art Institute of Chicago Pay Range : $28.00 to $31.00 Job Perks: Free admission to not only the Art Institute of Chicago, but reciprocal access to other Chicago museums and Zoo for ...

Hourly Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Hourly Sous Chef - Art Institute of Chicago Pay Range : $28.00 to $31.00 Job Perks: Free admission to not only the Art Institute of Chicago, but reciprocal access to other Chicago museums and Zoo for ...

Hourly Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Hourly Sous Chef - Art Institute of Chicago Pay Range : $28.00 to $31.00 Job Perks: Free admission to not only the Art Institute of Chicago, but reciprocal access to other Chicago museums and Zoo for ...

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Typical hourly rates for new chefs is around $35-45 per hour. We are seeking talented, personable chefs with excellent personal presentation, culinary and hospitality skills. You would be a good fit ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary: $65k-73k Benefits: M/D/V, PTO, Bonus Chef driven restaurant looking for a sous chef to join their team as part of the closing shift. Qualifications: -3+ years of kitchen ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef -- Le Petit Marcel Location: Chicago, IL (2914 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 ... Provide consistent coaching and support for all hourly employees, and possess the ability to fill ...

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef -- Le Petit Marcel Location: Chicago, IL (2914 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 ... Provide consistent coaching and support for all hourly employees, and possess the ability to fill ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of ... Partner with designated chefs to purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant

Commis Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 ... Led by Chef Adair Canacasco, esmero is the culmination of a lifelong exploration of Mexican ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chef Hourly information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do chef hourly jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef hourly in Chicago, IL is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef hourly?

Chef Hourly jobs refer to culinary positions where chefs are paid by the hour, rather than receiving a fixed annual salary. Hourly chefs typically work in restaurants, catering services, hotels, or institutional kitchens and are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to menu specifications. These roles may include tasks such as maintaining kitchen cleanliness, supervising junior staff, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Compensation and hours can vary based on the employer, location, and level of experience. Chef Hourly positions are ideal for those who seek flexible work hours or are starting their culinary careers.

What are the typical responsibilities and team interactions for a chef hourly position?

As a Chef Hourly, your daily responsibilities generally include preparing and cooking menu items according to standardized recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety guidelines are followed. You will work closely with other kitchen staff such as line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, as well as communicate regularly with front-of-house staff to coordinate timely food service. The role often requires adaptability during busy periods and a strong sense of teamwork to keep operations running smoothly. Effective communication and attention to detail are key to success in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Chef Hourly, you need foundational culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and often a food handler's certification or culinary degree. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and point-of-sale software is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for excelling in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Chef Hourly vs Line Cook?

AspectChef HourlyLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentVaries from fine dining to casual restaurants, often with more responsibilitiesKitchen stations in restaurants, focusing on specific prep or cooking tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across all restaurant types, often with supervisory dutiesCommon in restaurants, hotels, and catering services
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles with more responsibility or higher payPeople seeking entry-level kitchen positions

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, a Chef Hourly typically has more experience, responsibilities, and often supervises others, whereas a Line Cook focuses on specific cooking tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Chef Hourly jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Chef Hourly job openings:

Hourly Sous Chef

Compass Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 499 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Hourly Sous Chef - Art Institute of Chicago

Pay Range: $28.00 to $31.00 

Job Perks: Free admission to not only the Art Institute of Chicago, but reciprocal access to other Chicago museums and Zoo for you and guests. 

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1566701.

The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

Are you looking for a job with competitive wages, one in which you can learn and grow and be a part of a great team?  We're hiring!  Great team member perks like Instapay (early access to your wages) and high interest savings both through the EVEN app.

From the stadium to the head table, Levy leverages unbridled creativity, custom strategies, impeccable service, and true love for great food to create unforgettable experiences. Founded in Chicago 40 years ago as a Delicatessen, Levy now finds itself as a leading presence in the Food, Beverage, and Retail industry across 200 plus Entertainment, Sports, and Restaurant venues across the country.

For more information on what we are about as a company, check us out by following the link below: http://www.levyrestaurants.com/who-we-are/
 

Job Summary

Directs, coordinates and evaluates assigned kitchen, food production and food-service associates.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supervises, coordinates and participates in activities of cooks and other associates engaged in preparing, cooking and serving food. Ensures all food handling, sanitation and customer service standards are met.
  • Supervises hourly kitchen associates, including interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action.
  • Efficiently prepares high-quality food items according to standardized recipes to meet production, delivery and service schedules. Serves meals or prepares for delivery.
  • Ensures proper presentation, food quality, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures.
  • Tracks food use, waste and consumption to requisition or purchase product.
  • Receives and inspects product and supplies for quality and quantity to ensure appropriate inventory.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Helps select and develop recipes and menus.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Apply to Levy today!

Levy is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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.

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

Associates of Levy are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Instapay (early access to your wages) and high interest savings both through the EVEN app
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Program
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Employee Assistance Program

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_Levy.pdf 


What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom