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Cook 3 Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook 2

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

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 ยท On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

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 ยท On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

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 ยท On-site

$17.80 - $18.80/hr

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 ยท On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

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

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

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 ...

Banquet Cook II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$26.94/hr

Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed. * Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met. * Respond to last ...

Banquet Cook II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$26.94/hr

Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed. * Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met. * Respond to last ...

Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed. * Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met. * Respond to last ...

Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed. * Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met. * Respond to last ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

You will work closely with Cook 2 and Cook 3 team members to support kitchen operations and adhere to quality standards. This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

You will work closely with Cook 2 and Cook 3 team members to support kitchen operations and adhere to quality standards. This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

You will work closely with Cook 2 and Cook 3 team members to support kitchen operations and adhere to quality standards. This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while ...

Banquet Cook II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$26.94/hr

Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed. * Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met. * Respond to last ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook 3 information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$18

$23

How much do cook 3 jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 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 three careers in cooking?

Three careers in cooking include becoming a chef, a sous chef, or a pastry chef. These roles involve different specialties, skills, and levels of responsibility within culinary environments such as restaurants, hotels, or catering services.

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:

What job categories do people searching Cook 3 jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook 3 jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Cook 3 job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,931 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Introduction...

Overview

We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities.

Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our competitive Total Rewards package, which includes wellness programs designed to support our team members' financial, physical, and mental well-being. Specific benefits—such as day-one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and annual performance bonus—may vary by position. Paid time off is earned according to the local policy and increases with the length of employment.

Click HERE to discover how we empower team members to grow, thrive, and advance in their careers.

Responsibilities

  • Performs duties to prepare and cook foods such as meats, entrees, soups, and other dishes of medium complexity according to standard recipes.
  • Transports, dishes up, plates, and presents food products for menus to include various cooking methods, broiling, roasting, sautéing, poaching, braising, boiling, and ala minute cooking in order to assist in reaching profitability, guest satisfaction, workforce strength, and compliance goals.
  • 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 create a fun and entertaining experience for our guests and team members.
  • Checks and ensures adequate supply of foods and seasonings.
  • Checks that food is properly prepared for cooking and serving.
  • Prepares foods items of medium complexity according to directions.
  • Has the ability to correctly work most cooking equipment.
  • Ensures cleanliness of food preparation areas.
  • Provides guidance to Cook III’s as necessary.
  • Follows safety rules and keeps work area clean and orderly.
  • Breaks down workstations; cleans and restocks.
  • Has the ability to correctly work all cooking stations in assigned work area.
  • Follows sanitation procedures as instructed by the local health department.
  • Opens food service outlets in a timely fashion as instructed.
  • Communicates with guests, colleagues, and management in a polite, professional manner and always practices Red Carpet Service training.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/JOB DIMENSIONS
Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by Hollywood from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position. Team members with irregular attendance will be subject to Hollywood disciplinary action procedures up to and including termination of employment.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required along with thorough knowledge of cooking techniques.
  • 2-3 years of experience in food preparation is preferred.
  • Must be able to understand and speak the English language.
  • Must be 18 years of age or over.