ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef Jobs in Northbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Chopping Block

Chef instructor

Chicago, IL

$24 - $26/hr

Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by instructing our students with the guidance of recipes, always focusing on techniques and the "whys" behind cooking. Chef Instructors also direct ...

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 globally inspired cuisine, refined technique, and warm, approachable hospitality. Located in the historic ...

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 both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Arrow Technologies, Inc

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include: * Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Aba

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Aba Chicago is 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 ...

Swift & Sons

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$68K - $73K/yr

Job Details Boka Restaurant Group and Executive Chef Chris Pandel are looking for a Sous Chef to join the team of Swift & Sons Steakhouse , located in Chicago's famed Fulton Market District! Benefits ...

The Radicle

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

PM Sous Chef -- The Radicle (Chicago, IL) The Radicle, a coastal Italian-inspired, Midwest cocktail bar and restaurant from the team behind Daisies , is seeking a PM Sous Chef to join our team. About ...

Aba

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Aba Chicago is 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 ...

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

Working as the Regional Chef you will work with leadership team in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs within a respective territory. You will be responsible for the ...

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

Working as the Regional Chef you will work with leadership team in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs within a respective territory. You will be responsible for the ...

Great Coast Commons

Sous Chef

Kenilworth, IL

$65K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Great Coast Commons -- Kenilworth, IL Upscale Casual Neighborhood American Bistro Well-Established North Shore Restaurant Salary $60,000-$72,000, Depending on Experience Five-Day Work Week ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Aba Chicago is 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 and ...

Beatrix Market

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Overview Beatrix Market Loop 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 ...

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 day-today activities of the restaurant. Must have three years of experience as a Chef de Cuisine or ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

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 and growth opportunities. A Few ...

The Budlong Hot Chicken

Pizza Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

Pizza Chef Location: Chicago, IL, 60604Skills Required: * Pizza making experience * Cooking skills * Dependable and organized Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm No weekend shifts Experience:

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

Working as the Regional Chef you will work with leadership team in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs within a respective territory. You will be responsible for the ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Northbrook, IL

Chef information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$10

$24

$45

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Northbrook, IL is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $31.49 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.
More about Chef jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Northbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,993 per year, or $25 per hour.

Chef instructor

The Chopping Block

Chicago, IL

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago’s premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors and Class Assistants.

Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by instructing our students with the guidance of recipes, always focusing on techniques and the “whys” behind cooking. Chef Instructors also direct students into the right classes and advise on kitchen equipment they need to get cooking at home. You’ll even select the perfect wine to complement dinner! Our Class Assistants have a unique opportunity to work with our highly trained chefs to educate our students about the world of cooking and learn new culinary techniques themselves.

Please note we require all Chef Instructors to have at least four years of experience cooking in restaurants. Our Class Assistants do not require formal culinary education, yet an ability to demonstrate relevant hands-on industry (or equivalent) experience is essential to be considered for this role. High energy and enthusiasm are a must for either position!

This position requires evening and weekend work at The Chopping Block Lincoln Square.

If you think you have the experience to drive our mission to get people to cook, share it with us.


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $24 - $26 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No