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Cook Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Antioch School District 34

Cook helper

Antioch, IL · On-site

$15.26/hr

Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed. * Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence. * Attends meetings and in-services as requested. * Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and ...

Antioch School District 34

Cook helper

Antioch, IL · On-site

$15.26/hr

Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed. * Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence. * Attends meetings and in-services as requested. * Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and ...

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Antioch, IL · On-site

Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following ...

New

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Lake Villa, IL · On-site

Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following ...

New

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

Pimacounty

$17.90 - $19.46/hr

Do you love to prep and cook ... Help support our community and have a positive impact. Apply today! Distinguishing Characteristics:

Marriott

Baker's Helper

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

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Cook Helper information

See Illinois salary details

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How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Illinois is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Illinois? For Cook Helper jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cook Helper job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in IL? For Cook Helper jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,792 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Cook helper

Antioch School District 34

Antioch, IL • On-site

$15.26/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen daily following the HACCP policy.
  • Maintains and follows the instruction of the Head Cook with the set up and serving of the daily student lunches.
  • Assists with the daily clean-up of the kitchen and cafeteria following the HACCP policy.
  • Sets up and maintains the dishwasher daily, cleans with chemicals to keep residue from forming weekly following the HACCP policy.
  • At the end of each lunch period clean and sanitize lunch trays and any kitchenware used to preplunch.
  • Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed.
  • Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence.
  • Attends meetings and in-services as requested.
  • Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and cafeteria.
  • Maintains a pleasant attitude with all staff and students.
  • Physical Requirements: lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and working in hot and cold kitchen conditions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School diploma or equivalent      

Hourly rate beginning at $15.26



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