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Contract Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Paisans Pizzeria

Line Cook

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/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

Line 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

Line Cook

Lisle, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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

Pizza Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

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

Sonesta International Hotels

Cook - Part Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.26 - $28.26/hr

The Cook shall maintain a safe work environment and follow established sanitation and safety ... Pay rate outlined follows contract requirements. Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role ...

Sonesta International Hotels

Cook - Part Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.26 - $28.26/hr

Summary The Cook sets the tone for Sonesta's mission by always going above and beyond for our ... contract requirements. Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 23, 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.

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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Line Cook

Paisans Pizzeria

Brookfield, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Position Title
Department
Reports to
Cook
Back of House
Kitchen Manager
Employment Status
FLSA Status
Effective Date
☐ Temporary ☒ Full-Time ☒ Part-Time
☒ Non-Exempt ☐ Exempt
11/1/2023
Position Summary
Cooks prepare and/or direct the preparation of food to be served complying with all applicable sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards and following established food production programs and procedures. Ensure appropriate use of facility supplies and equipment to minimize loss, waste, and fraud.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Preparing or directing preparation of food served using established production procedures and systems
  • Determining amount and type of food and supplies required using production systems; ensuring availability of supplies and food or approved substitutions in adequate time for preparation; serving or ensuring proper serving of food for tray line or dining room
  • Complying with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene, and health standards; observing proper food preparation and handling techniques
  • Storing food properly and safely by marking dates and items
  • Reporting necessary equipment repair and maintenance
  • Correctly preparing all food served following standard recipes and special diet orders; portioning food for serving
  • Planning food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food are preserved
  • Maintaining daily production records
  • Keeping work area neat and clean at all times; cleaning and maintaining equipment used in food preparation
  • Completing food temperature checks before service
  • Performing other work-related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • A high school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Illinois Food Handler Certificate Required
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Prior experience in related food service positions required
  • Moderate reading and writing skills; ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures
  • Promotes positive public relations with guests
  • Proficient interpersonal relations and communicative skills; cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment
  • Ability to stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less
  • Manual dexterity; auditory and visual skills
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less. Employee is regularly exposed to kitchen equipment (e.g., oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, coffee machine, steamer, mixer, and chef's knives).
Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Reviewed with employee by
Signature: _______________________________ Name (print): ________________________________
Title: _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Received and accepted by
Signature: _______________________________ Name (print): ________________________________
Title: _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

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