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Cook Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hoots Food Service Member

Cicero, IL

$14 - $18.25/hr

Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or food preparation or service jobs is not required but preferred. At hoots, we are building a team to develop into ...

Kitchen Cook

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The line cook is responsible for preparing food for café utilization per Pete's Fresh Market and the Head Cook (Chef) standards and providing backup to the kitchen team. S/he is responsible for ...

At Friend That Cooks, you can keep doing what you love while building a career that leaves room for the rest of your life. As a Personal Chef, you'll create customized menus, shop for fresh ...

Kitchen Cook

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The line cook is responsible for preparing food for café utilization per Pete's Fresh Market and the Head Cook (Chef) standards and providing backup to the kitchen team. S/he is responsible for ...

Kitchen Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The line cook is responsible for preparing food for café utilization per Pete's Fresh Market and the Head Cook (Chef) standards and providing backup to the kitchen team. S/he is responsible for ...

Kitchen Cook

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The line cook is responsible for preparing food for café utilization per Pete's Fresh Market and the Head Cook (Chef) standards and providing backup to the kitchen team. S/he is responsible for ...

Kitchen Cook

Matteson, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The line cook is responsible for preparing food for café utilization per Pete's Fresh Market and the Head Cook (Chef) standards and providing backup to the kitchen team. S/he is responsible for ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of ... Previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required. * Experience and ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of ... Previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required. * Experience and ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of ... Previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required. * Experience and ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of ... Previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required. * Experience and ...

Line Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook chef in Illinois is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by cook chefs in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Cook Chefs often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy shifts, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adapting to last-minute changes in orders or menu items. In a fast-paced kitchen, multitasking and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure that meals are prepared correctly and delivered promptly. Handling stress and staying organized under pressure are key skills that help chefs thrive and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

What is the difference between Cook Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCook ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varySimilar culinary training, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsKitchen stations within restaurants, fast-paced environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in restaurants, catering, and hotels
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for career progressionCompared for entry-level or specialized roles

The main difference between a Cook Chef and a Line Cook lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cook Chef typically oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, and supervises staff, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes at a designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Cook Chef often has more experience and responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook chef?

To thrive as a Cook Chef, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, smooth kitchen operations, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What is a cook chef?

Cook Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other dining establishments. They may handle a variety of tasks including recipe creation, ingredient preparation, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or may lead a kitchen team themselves, depending on their experience and the size of the establishment. Their role is essential in delivering quality meals and maintaining kitchen efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Cook Chef jobs in Illinois? For Cook Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Chef jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Chef jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cook Chef jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cook Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,307 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$14 - $18.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description

Hoots is your new go-to spot for our world-famous chicken wings, diptastic tenders, crispy chicken sandwiches, saucy shrimp, and tasty sides (like our superbly seasoned waffle fries). Our wings and other things are hand-breaded to order, ready for us to toss in your choice of sauce or dipped in our creamy blue cheese, ranch, or honey mustard. You better believe we barely made it through writing this before we had a hankering for hoots ourselves. Lucky for you, we offer dine-in, outdoor patio, takeout, and delivery options, so it's never been easier to get your hands on Hoots.

Requirements

Our Food Service Team members work in a fast paced, high energy, but team oriented environment.

The responsibility of our food service team member is to produce the highest quality food with precision, accuracy, and speed continually observing and implementing the proper quality-assurance and food-safety procedures.

Job opportunities for Food Service Team Members are generally offered as full time or part time restaurant jobs.

Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or food preparation or service jobs is not required but preferred.

At hoots, we are building a team to develop into expanded growth around the area. We offer our team members a development path into supervisor, store manager, and even senior management.

Hoots is about community - we embrace our neighbors and support our staff through character-building team development in a welcoming atmosphere proud to offer quick and delicious menu options.

Hoots is committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring of staff.