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Cook 3 Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook III

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook III will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production recipes. Expected to serve hot food and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety ...

Cook III

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Cook III will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production recipes. Expected to serve hot food and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety ...

New

Cook III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

Working knowledge of weights, measures and various cooking techniques. * Working knowledge of health, safety and sanitation procedures. * Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced ...

Working knowledge of weights, measures and various cooking techniques. * Working knowledge of health, safety and sanitation procedures. * Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced ...

Working knowledge of weights, measures and various cooking techniques. * Working knowledge of health, safety and sanitation procedures. * Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced ...

Cook III - DS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook III Hours: 10am-6pm Wage: $20 to $25.50 per hour Location: Ohare Airport Job Summary As one of our Food For Thought Cooks, you will be required to assist in the execution of catering events ...

Pastry Cook III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

Pastry Cook III Rising gracefully above Millennium Park and Chicago's impressive lakefront, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is located conveniently near major cultural attractions, the city ...

Pastry Cook III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

Pastry Cook III Rising gracefully above Millennium Park and Chicago's impressive lakefront, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is located conveniently near major cultural attractions, the city ...

Cook 3 (On Call)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The On-Call Adorn Cook is an essential member of the Food & Beverage team, dedicated to preparing specialized innovative cuisine per guest orders in accordance with production requirements and ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US : NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago offers an elevated dining experience, featuring innovative American cuisine with ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US : NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago offers an elevated dining experience, featuring innovative American cuisine with ...

Cook

Chicago, IL

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US: NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago offers an elevated dining experience, featuring innovative American cuisine with ...

Cook 2

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

You will work closely with Cook 1 and Cook 3 team members, coordinating to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent adherence to quality standards. This junior-level position requires ...

Cook 2

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

You will work closely with Cook 1 and Cook 3 team members, coordinating to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent adherence to quality standards. This junior-level position requires ...

Cook 2

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

You will work closely with Cook 1 and Cook 3 team members, coordinating to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent adherence to quality standards. This junior-level position requires ...

Cook 2

Joliet, IL

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversees activities of Cook III's and maintains a clean food preparation area. * This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service and promoting a positive attitude to ...

Cook 2

Joliet, IL

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversees activities of Cook III's and maintains a clean food preparation area. * This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service and promoting a positive attitude to ...

Cook 2

Joliet, IL

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversees activities of Cook III's and maintains a clean food preparation area. * This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service and promoting a positive attitude to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook 3 information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$18

$23

How much do cook 3 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook 3 in Illinois is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cook 3 vs Cook 2?

AspectCook 3Cook 2
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, culinary training preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, culinary training preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeterias
ResponsibilitiesSupervises lower cooks, prepares complex dishes, ensures qualityPrepares basic to moderate dishes, assists senior cooks
UsageCommonly searched for comparison with Cook 2Commonly searched for comparison with Cook 3

The main difference between Cook 3 and Cook 2 lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Cook 3 typically supervises lower-level cooks and handles more complex dishes, while Cook 2 focuses on preparing basic to moderate dishes and assisting senior staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but Cook 3 involves more leadership and advanced culinary skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook 3?

To thrive as a Cook 3, you need advanced culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and recipe standardization tools is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this position. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, a safe working environment, and efficient kitchen operations in a high-pressure setting.

What is a Cook 3?

A Cook 3, sometimes known as a Line Cook or Third Cook, is a culinary professional responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards set by the kitchen leadership. They typically work under the supervision of a Cook 1 (Head/Executive Chef) and Cook 2 (Sous Chef) and are tasked with specific stations or food preparation duties. Cook 3s may assist with food prep, maintain cleanliness, ensure food safety, and help with plating dishes. This role is often considered an entry- to mid-level position within a professional kitchen, providing foundational experience for advancement to higher culinary roles.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook 3 and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook 3, you may frequently encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously during peak service hours and ensuring consistency in food quality. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, effective communication with your team, and a proactive approach to prep work are essential. Seeking feedback from senior chefs and collaborating closely with kitchen staff can also help you continuously improve and handle busy shifts more efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Cook 3 jobs in Illinois? For Cook 3 jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cook 3 job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,931 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Our Promise

Balance - Quest fosters a fun, supportive environment that puts people first and strives for both culinary excellence and enduring relationships. Our flexible work opportunities encourage a healthy life balance for all of our valued team members.

Meaning - Quest believes that every aspect of what we do has significance, and therefore, our food is fresh and made from scratch, using high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. We nourish our communities with wholesome meals and through our genuine and personal connections.

Recognition - Quest provides competitive compensation and benefits, and celebrates the fulfillment of our collective values at all levels of the organization. We support professional growth through training, development and access to highly visible leadership.

Position Summary

Prepares and presents menu items during service of the cafeteria to Quest standards. Follows preparation list for items needed for execution of menus and assist in the day to day operations of the kitchen. Duties may include bulk preparation, catering prep, product receiving and cleaning. Assists customers and maintains line in a consistent and professional manner. Cook III will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production recipes. Expected to serve hot food and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Ability to work on at least three concept stations. Assist chef/manager in placing orders with various vendors; creating cleaning and production checklists; creating new menu items and writing recipes to be approved by the chef. Assist in training Cook I and II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Cascades the vision of Quest Food Management Services ensuring the Quest vision, values and founding principles are effectively communicated, understood and practiced.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Quest vision, values and missions through actions on a daily basis.
  • Prepare food as assigned and per directions, production sheets, standardized recipes, and time schedule.
  • Assist in creating daily production sheets.
  • Accurately assemble and present all menu items.
  • Follow Quest, local, State and Federal guidelines for the proper handling of food products.
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the line and product kitchen. Work with other members of the kitchen as a team.
  • Maintain open and effective communication with others.
  • Prepare all items to standardized recipes according to each specific event’s needs as outlined on the menu.
  • Properly expand and/or divide recipes as needed to achieve proper yields.
  • Familiarize themselves with catering menus and master recipe indexes.
  • Communicate to supervisor product shortages, ordering needs and maintenance issues to maintain the level of day to day business.
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the production kitchen and production facility.
  • Ability to work at special events when required.
  • Implement special recipes and menu ideas handed down by the Chef/Manager.
  • Perform daily and weekly cleaning schedule.
  • Ensure that all food production, storage, and service areas are maintained in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
  • Assist with ordering all food and other supplies, monthly inventory, and maintaining par levels.
  • Responsible for sanitation in the kitchen, including checking to see that all equipment is working properly.
  • Complete all prep for the next day’s production per production sheets and recipes as assigned and as needed.
  • Assist in recipe training of Cook I and Cook II personnel.
  • Transport food and all other supplies to and from the kitchen in a sanitary manner.
  • Take temperatures and record them for all food.
  • Serve food on the hot line and prepare side orders ensuring excellent presentation and garnishing all plates.
  • Demonstrate ability to work on at least three concept stations and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen.
  • Follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food practices.
  • Responsible for receiving and putting away all kitchen deliveries.
  • Follow all Quest policies and food safety guidelines.
  • Report to scheduled shift on time and in complete uniform as outlined in the Quest team member handbook.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Specifications

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

  • Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience as Cook II or Kitchen Supervisor
  • Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (certified as a Food Handler)
  • Ability to perform simple arithmetic as well as to understand measurements and conversions
  • Ability to follow recipes
  • Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (Food Handler certification)

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