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Contract Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Saint Anthony Hospital

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

Cook - Dietary Department Full Time Rotating Shift Compensation: $17.05hr starting (union contract) The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various ...

Saint Anthony Hospital

Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05/hr

Cook - Dietary Department Full Time Rotating Shift Compensation: $17.05hr starting (union contract) The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various ...

Cinemark USA, 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 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 · 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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Rock IT Tacos

Cook

Cicero, IL · On-site

$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

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$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

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

Lisle, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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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 7, 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 is a contract cook?

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 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cook

Saint Anthony Hospital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Cook - Dietary Department
Full Time
Rotating Shift
Compensation: $17.05hr starting (union contract)
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and comparisons to colleagues in similar roles.
About Us
Saint Anthony Hospital is a diverse and community-centric hospital, your career can thrive in, while addressing the health and wellness challenges that families in our neighborhood face. Our employees deliver on our mission and achieve success by working together to provide excellent customer service and patient care.
As part of Saint Anthony Hospital's commitment to providing the highest quality health care, we will be building a new state-of-the-art hospital to serve as an anchor to the Focal Point Community Campus. Learn more at focalpointchicago.org.
Position Summary
Prepares, handles, cooks, stores food and supplies for patients, cafeteria, Physicians' Dining Room, and catering functions. This position does not provide direct patient care.
Responsibilities
  • Prepares and cooks food for patients, the cafeteria, Doctors' Dining Room, and catering events.
  • Coordinates cooking schedules for the efficient delivery of food.
  • Ability to read and follow recipes, instructions or directions on batch cooking, and garnishing.
  • You can prioritize tasks to meet volume changes and department needs.
  • Provides directions to servers regarding portion size.
  • Stores and handles food items according to HACCP standards.
  • Sets up patients' serving line.
  • Maintains a clean and safe work area throughout the work shift.
  • Assists in monitoring and evaluating the quality and temperature of foods through a taste and temperature panel.

Work Experience:
1 to 3 years of experience.
Position Qualifications:
  • Cooking experience
  • Use of cooking utensils and equipment
  • Speaks and reads English
  • Ability to read and follow recipes
  • Ability to prioritize
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions

Benefits:
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision)
    **Coverage begins on new hires on the first day**
  • Employer matching retirement plans
  • Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
  • Free parking
  • Basic & Supplemental Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays

Saint Anthony Hospital Highlights:
  • Community Hospital with Modern Technology: Work in an environment that blends advanced tools with a mission-driven, community-focused approach.
  • Competitive Salaries: Earn a strong, market‑aligned compensation package.
  • Innovative Environment: Be part of a soon-to-come transformation as we transition into a new, next generation healthcare campus.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a close-knit team that values communication, teamwork, and mutual support.
  • Professional Growth: Build your skills in an organization that invests in its people and encourages continuous development.
  • Meaningful Work: Serve a diverse patient population and make a real impact on their health journey.
  • Recognition: We are a certified Primary Stroke Center and a respected teaching hospital shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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