ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cinemark USA, Inc

Line Cook

Melrose Park, IL

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Line Cook

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Line Cook

Melrose Park, IL

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

GLENWOOD ACADEMY

Cook

Glenwood, IL

$14 - $18.25/hr

The Cook will be responsible for ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen ... This does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment at Glenwood is an "at-will ...

GLENWOOD ACADEMY

Cook

Glenwood, IL

$18 - $23/hr

The Cook will be responsible for ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen ... This does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment at Glenwood is an "at-will ...

GLENWOOD ACADEMY

Cook

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

The Cook will be responsible for ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen ... This does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment at Glenwood is an "at-will ...

GLENWOOD ACADEMY

Cook

Glenwood, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

The Cook will be responsible for ensuring food safety, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen ... This does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment at Glenwood is an "at-will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Rock IT Tacos

Cook

Cicero, IL

$15 - $19/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Brookfield, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

COOK

Lisle, IL

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Berwyn, IL

$14.25 - $19/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Cook JobsContract Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as a contract cook differ from a permanent kitchen position in terms of daily responsibilities and work environment?

As a contract cook, you'll often work in a variety of kitchens and settings, from corporate cafeterias to catering events, which means your daily responsibilities can change frequently. Unlike permanent roles, you may need to quickly adapt to different menus, kitchen teams, and management styles, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can sometimes involve unfamiliar equipment or workflows. This variety can be rewarding and offers opportunities to expand your culinary skills, but it may also require extra effort to adjust rapidly and establish rapport with new colleagues.

What are contract cooks?

Contract cooks are culinary professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to prepare meals in various settings, such as corporate cafeterias, schools, hospitals, or private events. Unlike full-time staff, contract cooks work for a specific duration or for the length of a particular contract, often through staffing agencies or catering companies. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Contract cooks provide flexibility for employers who need additional staff during busy periods or special events. This role is ideal for experienced cooks seeking variety in their work environments.

What is the difference between Contract Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectContract CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)Food Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedLong-term, salaried or hourly
Industry UsageEvent catering, hospitality, temporary kitchensRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

Contract Cooks typically work on short-term assignments in various locations, often for events or temporary projects, and usually hold similar certifications as full-time cooks. Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a single establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Cook jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Contract Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Part-Time Cook (Food Service)

Glenview Public School District #34

Glenview, IL • On-site

$16.28 - $20.02/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cook
Date Posted:
2/9/2026
Location:
District
Date Available:
Upon Filling
Description:
Part-Time Cook (3.5 hours a day each) needed for the 2025 - 26 school year.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist in food preparation of the day by sanitizing food preparation areas, reading menus, collecting supplies, and turning on equipment
  • Assist with breakfast program as needed
  • Prepare, cook, and serve food according to proper codes
  • Follow standard operating procedures
  • Assist in daily cleaning of all food preparation and service areas (including equipment and all serving items)
  • Interacts with the Food Services Director, principal, teachers and students on a regular basis
  • Assist with cashier responsibilities as needed
  • Assist in ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and completing daily reports
  • Post students' daily lunch account deposits to PowerSchool and prepare deposit
  • Interacts with building administration, teachers and students on a regular basis
  • May take over for Lead Cook when necessary
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:
Kitchen experience a plus, computer knowledge a must.
  • High school diploma
  • Strong interest in cooking and working with children
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Basic math and computer skills a must
  • Successful completion of district food service test
  • Completion of Illinois Sanitation Certificate within first year of employment
  • May require filling in for other staff within building or at another location - must provide own transportation.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $16.28-$20.02 per hour depending on experience. This position is a union position and covered by the GPA contract.
Benefits:
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Sick & personal days

Working Conditions:
  • 3.5 hours per day, Monday-Friday (10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Cooks are paid 191 days during the school year including 8 paid holidays

This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 36 pounds and to push or pull up to 100 pounds; to climb ladders, stoop, bend, kneel to put away supplies; and to balance large trays. It also requires strong vision and hearing for communication with students and staff and for proper preparation of food and reading labels.
Application Procedure:
Please apply online.

Apply