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Cook Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bella Milano

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Teamwork: Individuals that are willing to take time to help other's succeed, thrive in our ... Cooking and arranging food per Bella Milano standards and recipes. We are looking for someone to ...

Bella Milano

Cook

O Fallon, IL

$16 - $19/hr

Teamwork: Individuals that are willing to take time to help other's succeed, thrive in our ... Cooking and arranging food per Bella Milano standards and recipes. We are looking for someone to ...

Bella Milano

Cook

O Fallon, IL

$16 - $19/hr

Teamwork: Individuals that are willing to take time to help other's succeed, thrive in our ... Cooking and arranging food per Bella Milano standards and recipes. We are looking for someone to ...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Danville, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken - Immediate Cook Position Are you a highly skilled and creative cook ... Apply today and help us continue to serve up the flavors and recipes that have made us Famous!

DO & CO

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Belleville, IL · On-site

$14/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and ... Apply today and help us continue to serve up the flavors and recipes that have made us Famous!

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Belleville, IL · On-site

$14/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and ... Apply today and help us continue to serve up the flavors and recipes that have made us Famous!

Wingstop

Cook

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food - they help create meaningful dining experiences for our residents every single day. We are looking for a dependable, energetic, and team ...

Cottages of New Lenox

Cook

New Lenox, IL

$19/hr

At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food -- they help create meaningful dining experiences for our residents every single day. We are looking for a dependable, energetic, and ...

Nexus of Columbia

Cook

Columbia, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook - Nexus of Columbia, IL At Nexus of Columbia, we are dedicated to serving delicious meals to ... Join our team at Nexus of Columbia and help us serve delicious meals to our guests while ...

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Join the Pearl of Fox River Valley team as a talented Cook in Elgin, IL! Our mission is to ... Apply today to become a part of our kitchen team and help us provide exceptional care and service ...

Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group

Cook

Bloomington, IL

$16 - $20/hr

Farmhand / Cook Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group | Bloomington & Downs, IL Full-Time | Farm ... On the farm, you may help plant and harvest crops, care for livestock, wash and pack produce, and ...

Allure of Mount Carroll

Cook

Mount Carroll, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Now Hiring: Full Time & PRN Cooks Allure of Mount Carroll | Mount Carroll, IL Join Our Team! Allure ... Join the Allure of Mount Carroll family and help make every meal a special one!

Haven of Bridgeport

Cook

Bridgeport, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Help ensure residents receive meals that meet their nutritional needs and preferences Requirements * Previous cooking or food service experience preferred * Ability to work efficiently in a fast ...

National Star Services

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Helpers for our location in Des Plaines, IL 60018. This may be the perfect job for you if you are ... cooks with different tasks in the kitchen: food preparation, cutting fruits and vegetables ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Illinois

Cook Helper information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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

Bella Milano

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work?  Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares

about its employees and wants them to succeed.

Bella Milano is accepting applications from highly-energetic, take charge individuals who want an opportunity to utilize their skills while continuing to learn and grow in a thriving upscale, full service restaurant environment!  Bella Milano offers a unique, fine casual cuisine in a contemporary yet relaxed atmosphere with many exciting menu selections. 

Part time and Full time positions are both available

Primary Responsibilities:

Teamwork: Individuals that are willing to take time to help other’s succeed, thrive in our restaurants

Food Quality: maintain highest level of food quality at all times by following Bella Milano recipes and procedures

Sanitation: Ensure your station is clean at all times and able to pass Inspections from Health

Inspectors and Management

Training – always be wanting to learn more and how to improve at other stations in the kitchen

Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking.

Cooking and arranging food per Bella Milano standards and recipes.

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount. A good candidate for this

job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks.

Responsibilities of a Cook:

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

Cooking food using various culinary techniques.

Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Manage food storage stock, and ingredient orders.

Cook Job Requirements:

Must have prior experience as a cook.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

Must know and follow sanitation procedures.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.

Must showcase great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Bella Milano is contemporary Italian with old world flavor. Join us for a beautiful meal. We feature a full bar, private rooms, a patio, and offer catering.