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Chef Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CONAGRA

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKPOP, Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss and more! What Can You Expect ... Interns should expect to work 40 hours/week Why should you become a Conagra intern? • Our intern ...

ULINE

Marketing Internship - Summer 2027

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Join Uline as a 2027 Marketing Intern! You'll get hands-on experience and work with professionals ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

ULINE

Accounting Internship - Summer 2027

Glenview, IL

$15.75 - $20/hr

As a 2027 Accounting Intern, you'll work alongside experienced finance professionals, contribute to ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

ULINE

Sales Operations Internship - Summer 2027

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $20/hr

Intern Perks * "Lunch and Learn" sessions to expand your business and industry knowledge. * Outings ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

ULINE

Marketing Internship - Summer 2027

Waukegan, IL

$14.25 - $19/hr

Join Uline as a 2027 Marketing Intern! You'll get hands-on experience and work with professionals ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

ULINE

Accounting Internship - Summer 2027

Waukegan, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

As a 2027 Accounting Intern, you'll work alongside experienced finance professionals, contribute to ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

ULINE

Sales Operations Internship - Summer 2027

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Intern Perks * "Lunch and Learn" sessions to expand your business and industry knowledge. * Outings ... On-site cafe with meals prepared fresh by executive chefs. * First-class fitness center with sauna ...

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All JobsChef Intern JobsChef Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Chef Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do chef intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef intern in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef intern?

Chef Interns are individuals who are gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen as part of their culinary education or training. They typically work under the supervision of experienced chefs and kitchen staff, learning various cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and kitchen operations. Chef Interns may assist with tasks such as prepping ingredients, plating dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and following food safety protocols. This role provides valuable real-world exposure and helps aspiring chefs develop the skills needed for a culinary career.

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

To thrive as a Chef Intern, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety principles, and a willingness to learn, often supported by enrollment in or completion of a culinary program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and knowledge of food safety certifications such as ServSafe is beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a positive attitude help you excel in fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient kitchen operations, learning from experienced chefs, and building a successful culinary career.

What are some common challenges chef interns face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

Chef Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering time management, and maintaining high standards under pressure. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from experienced chefs and asking questions can help build confidence. Developing strong communication skills and being proactive about learning new techniques are key to thriving in this role. Embracing feedback and staying organized will help interns grow and succeed in their culinary journey.

What is the difference between Chef Intern vs Line Cook?

AspectChef InternLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or student statusRelevant culinary experience or training
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, learning-focusedFast-paced kitchen, production-oriented
Employer UsageInternship programs, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or entry-level job seekersCompared for hands-on cooking roles

In summary, a Chef Intern is typically a trainee gaining foundational skills in a learning environment, while a Line Cook is an experienced professional responsible for preparing dishes in a busy kitchen. The internship focuses on education and skill development, whereas the line cook role emphasizes efficiency and production.

How to start as a chef intern with no experience?

To start as a chef intern with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through online courses or cooking classes, and seek entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities in kitchens to build hands-on experience. Demonstrating enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and good hygiene practices can help you secure an internship in a professional kitchen environment.

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 Intern jobs?

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

Chef Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 (Chicago)

CONAGRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Our internship program will introduce you to the world of consumer packaged goods with the goal of cooking up an interest in future career
opportunities and allowing you to make an impact in a refuse-to-lose environment. You’ll have the chance to work with one or more of our iconic brands: Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie’s BOOMCHICKPOP, Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss and more!

What Can You Expect from Your Internship?
You will be immersed into Conagra Brands and our Research & Development Organization for 11 weeks. You will be responsible for one primary project, as well as other small work. Projects may include new product launches, line extensions, problem/solution identification, testing of new innovations etc. You will investigate and conduct benchtop and pilot plant experiments to gather data and prepare written reports for the commercialization of new products, or reformulation in existing products to improve quality and margins. Achieve insight into key technical initiatives and emerging business needs. To enhance your overall understanding of our company, we will provide opportunities to network with peers and leaders to gain experience with the scope of career paths available at Conagra Brands.

When: May – August , 2027
Location(s): Chicago, IL
Schedule: Interns should expect to work 40 hours/week

Why should you become a Conagra intern?
• Our intern compensation starts at $22/hr.
• We set you up for success. All interns participate in two days of orientation in Omaha.
• You’ll receive professional development before and during the internship.
• Network with and learn from our leaders across the company.
• Summer Hours: Offices close at 1 p.m. on Friday.

• You don't have to stress about getting to your new city or where you’re going to live. Summer relocation and housing is provided by Conagra as needed.

Is this internship right for you?
We're looking for someone who wants to be part of promoting the most energized, highest impact culture in the food industry. If you are
craving an opportunity to make a difference and be empowered to kick start your professional career in a refuse-to-lose environment, then we
want to meet you! We encourage you to discover your potential and we will provide you with unparalleled opportunities to make a difference.

Do you have what it takes?
• You are enrolled in a degree program with at least 1 semester remaining after the internship program concludes.
• You are pursuing a degree in Food Science or a related major.
• You are willing to relocate to Omaha, NE for the duration of your internship.

Hourly Rate: $20-28

Our Intern Benefits

As a Conagra intern, you get paid holidays, relocation and housing assistance. During your time with us, you’ll have access to learning and development live sessions, as well as tools like LinkedIn Learning. You will also travel to our Omaha campus for Intern Orientation as well as an End of Summer Celebration.

Our Company

Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, our Company combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. Our portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Our iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion.

We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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