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Cook Food Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

Cook - Food Service

Evanston, IL · On-site

$17 - $24.62/hr

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. 2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired. County Specific ...

Chateau Del Mar

Line Cook/Food Prep

Hickory Hills, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Line Cook/Food Prep Specialist** **Location:*Hickory Hills **Company:*Hickory Hills C C/ Tee Time @ PGN **About Us:** At Hickory Hills C C/Tee Time @ PGN, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional ...

Saint Francis Hospital

Cook - Food Service

Evanston, IL · On-site

$17 - $24.62/hr

Qualifications EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. 2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired.

Saint Francis Hospital

Cook - Food Service

Evanston, IL · On-site

$17 - $24.62/hr

Qualifications EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. 2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired.

NorthShore

Cook - Food and Nutrition - Rotating

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$18.38 - $26.65/hr

The cook prepares specified menu items for patients, cafeteria, catered services and ensures adherence to sanitation, safety and food handling procedures. What you will need: * Education: High School ...

Schulte

Cook/Food Prep/Dish Steward

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Schulte Hopsitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Cook to join our team! Schulte ... Prepares food according to specifications for breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquets * Maintains ...

Schulte Companies

Cook/Food Prep/Dish Steward

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Schulte Hopsitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Cook to join our team! Schulte ... Prepares food according to specifications for breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquets * Maintains ...

Wing It On!

Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. * Ensure that all food is prepared in a timely manner and meets the quality ...

Wing It On!

Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. * Ensure that all food is prepared in a timely manner and meets the quality ...

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All JobsCook Food JobsCook Food Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cook Food information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook food jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook food 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 does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may specialize in certain types of cuisine or food preparation methods, and they often work as part of a team to deliver quality meals efficiently. They also clean their work areas and may assist with menu planning or inventory management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and culinary techniques, often supported by a culinary certificate or on-the-job training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for maintaining quality and efficiency during busy service hours. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often juggle multiple orders, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining clear communication with team members—such as servers and other kitchen staff—are essential for smooth operations. Effective time management and developing the ability to work efficiently under pressure can help cooks deliver quality dishes consistently. Many kitchens also rely on prep work and standardized procedures to streamline busy periods.

What is the difference between Cook Food vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook FoodKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSupport roles in kitchens, prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentCooking skills, culinary jobsKitchen support, food prep roles

Cook Food and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap in food preparation and work environments. However, Cooks typically have specialized culinary skills and certifications, working directly on preparing meals, while Kitchen Assistants support the kitchen operations with basic tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

Cook Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Food job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cook - Food Service

Evanston, IL • On-site

Prime Healthcare
Hospitals • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Prime Healthcareexternal

$17 - $24.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 289 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Department: Dietary

Schedule: Full Time 11am-7:30pm and rotating weekends

Facility: Prime Healthcare Saint Francis Hospital

Location: Evanston, IL


To prepare quality food according to established food safety policies in a sanitary environment.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred.

2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired.

County Specific requirement.

1. County Specific Food Handlers certification required upon hire and maintained current

The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/


Saint Francis Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $17.00 to $24.62. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.


Full Time
Evenings

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

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