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Chef Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Sous Chef

Highwood, IL

$51K - $68K/yr

SOUS CHEF REPORTS TO: CHEF DE CUISINE TYPE: FULL TIME POSITION SUMMARY: The Sous Chef will be an assistant to the Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine. They will ensure that all BOH processes and health ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few of Our Benefits:

Hotel Sous Chef Downtown Chicago Salary: $70K - $75K Position Overview We are seeking a talented and experienced Sous Chef to join the culinary leadership team at a dynamic hotel property. The Sous ...

New

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation, ensuring maximum member/guest satisfaction, through planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the ...

Sushi Chef at Minami Sushi in Streamwood, IL Are you passionate about the art of sushi-making? Do you take pride in crafting fresh, high-quality dishes that delight customers? Minami Sushi, a beloved ...

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation, ensuring maximum member/guest satisfaction, through planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will manage the kitchen staff in the daily production, preparation and presentation of all food for the hotel's restaurant(s) and room service in a safe, sanitary work environment which ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48 - $72/hr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh ...

New

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70 - $72/hr

The Sous Chef will manage the kitchen staff in the daily production, preparation and presentation of all food for the hotel's restaurant(s) and room service in a safe, sanitary work environment which ...

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Overview Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training ...

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Glenview is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will manage the kitchen staff in the daily production, preparation and presentation of all food for the hotel's restaurant(s) and room service in a safe, sanitary work environment which ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef -- Le Petit Marcel Location: Chicago, IL (2914 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657) Compensation: $60,000-$70,000/year Employment Type: Full Time Job Details Le Petit Marcel, a French bistro in ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef -- Le Petit Marcel Location: Chicago, IL (2914 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657) Compensation: $60,000-$70,000/year Employment Type: Full Time Job Details Le Petit Marcel, a French bistro in ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Elgin, IL is $24.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $30.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Chef jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,636 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Sous Chef

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

Chicago, IL • On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM

We don't hire employees, we scout team members.

We recruit talented, team-oriented individuals who are looking to work alongside us and not for us.

We are always looking to draft committed warriors with a deep sense of passion and finesse.

SOUS CHEF

We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please.

Sous Chef

Position Requirements:

Full Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Be available to fill in as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant as directed by the restaurant manager or immediate supervisor
  • Comply with health and food safety standards, restocking items and cleaning
  • Managing food cost and labor cost
  • P&L management
  • Ordering & Inventory responsibilities
  • Carefully follow standard recipes while preparing assigned items for food service
  • Consistently use safe and sanitary food handling practices
  • Assists other cooks during emergencies or rush periods
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, or serving areas to insure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
  • Assists in plating food items for service
  • Cleans assigned workstation areas
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters
  • Carefully follows instructions and procedures set and communicated by Chef
  • Start each shift by leading with a great attitude and a high level of respect for the team, the product and the guests

Job Type: Full-time/Salaried Position

Physical Setting:

  • Casual New Orleans inspired Po' Boy restaurant & Tavern in Hyde Park, Chicago

Schedule:

  • 12 hour shift
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Cooking: 1 year (Required)
  • Restaurant Experience: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: One location