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Chef Jobs in Oregon, IL (NOW HIRING)

HVACR Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Kitchen equipment - Frymaster, Turbo Chef, Lincoln, NuVu * Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration units. * Perform appliance repair on refrigerators and ice ...

HVACR Technician

Rockford, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Kitchen equipment - Frymaster, Turbo Chef, Lincoln, NuVu * Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration units. * Perform appliance repair on refrigerators and ice ...

General Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Chef-led menus designed around the people and the operational reality of each space. Reliable across locations, consistent across shifts, flexible enough to fit the way your business actually runs.

General Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Chef-led menus designed around the people and the operational reality of each space. Reliable across locations, consistent across shifts, flexible enough to fit the way your business actually runs.

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

COOK

Rockford, IL · On-site

$18/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Oregon, IL salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Oregon, IL is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $29.04 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 Oregon, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Oregon, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,940 per year, or $23 per hour.

Assistant Director, Dietary

CGH Medical Center

Sterling, IL • On-site

$57K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


CGH Medical Center rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Our growth is creating great opportunities! Our team is growing and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, please apply to the one you feel best suits you! You can keep track of your progress in the selection process as well as stay updated on new positions that might interest you.
Shift
Days, Salaried
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
POSITION PURPOSE:
Coordinates the daily operation of the CGH Food and Nutrition Services department to include appropriate staffing, food preparation, and coordination of food delivery for retail meals and meals for patients. Supervise staff in carrying out proper food service sanitation practices. Assists the Director of Food and Nutrition Services as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Supervises employee workloads ensuring all required duties are completed.
  • Oversees schedule and payroll, assist with performance reviews, competencies, and is part of the process in recommendations of staffing decisions.
  • Orients and trains staff and facilitates employee development to improve outcomes and productivity.
  • Evaluate department processes, provide recommendations and solutions for opportunities identified, and oversee the implementation and evaluation of new processes.
  • Counsels/disciplines employees as necessary and completes appropriate documentation. Makes and follows through with appropriate supervisory decisions in coordination with department management staff.
  • Oversees scheduling of catered functions in coordination with department management staff.
  • Responsible for menu planning, inventory, and ordering of food products and equipment in coordination with the Chef and department Director.
  • Establishes appropriate food/beverage pricing for internal and external customers.
  • Accurately compiles monthly financial report figures (e.g. billing for floor orders, CGH Daycare, catered functions, etc.) Performs office functions including appropriate and accurate record keeping within the department.
  • Assures that the department is secure, including handling of money, maintaining quality control records, and taking appropriate action if problems are identified.
  • Assures that appropriate sanitation and safety standards and HACCP logs are completed throughout the department.
  • Performs other duties as necessary.

SPECIALIZED KNOW-HOW & REQUIREMENTS:
  • Associates Degree or equivalent food service management experience is required. Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Management, or related area preferred.
  • A minimum of three years of supervisory experience strongly preferred. Previous supervisory/management experience in food service industry preferred.
  • Certification as Dietary Manager, preferred.
  • Food Safety and Sanitation Management Certification required upon hire; Illinois Allergen Awareness training required within 1 week of start date - CGH will provide access to this course if needed.
  • Intermediate computer literacy skills strongly preferred (application knowledge in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Demonstrates the knowledge necessary to provide culturally competent and population specific care.

Compensation Range
$57,324.80 - $85,987.20
Available Benefits for Benefit Eligible Positions
Health and Dental Insurance
IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)
Retirement Fund (457 and 401A Plan)
Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Life Insurance
Short and Long Term Disability
Optional Insurances
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Forgiveness
Gift Shop Discount
CGH Day Care Discount
CGH Dietary Discount
Employee Assistance Program
CGH Pharmacy Discount
CGH Vision Center Discount
Thank you for your interest in a career at CGH Medical Center.

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