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Cook Helper Jobs in Carbondale, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hhs

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Oasis Outdoors

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

This is a unique opportunity to bring your culinary skills to an iconic brand and help fuel the ... Prepare and cook menu items to order with consistency and quality * Follow food safety and ...

Dairy Queen

Cook

Jackson, MO

$13.75/hr

Who would cook, assemble and wrap good items, stock all needed products and preparation materials ... It's what sets DQ ® restaurants apart and is what is helping us reach our vision of being the ...

Dairy Queen

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Who would cook, assemble and wrap good items, stock all needed products and preparation materials ... We're looking for smiling faces to help us with our vision to Serve Fan Food Not Fast food to ...

Sonic

Cook

Jackson, MO

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Jackson, MO · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Herrin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Guernsey Holdings LLC

Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Guernsey Holdings LLC

Cook

West Frankfort, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Guernsey Holdings LLC

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic

Cook

Herrin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic

Cook

West Frankfort, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

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All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Carbondale, IL

Cook Helper information

See Carbondale, IL salary details

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How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Carbondale, IL is $17.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.71 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 Carbondale, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Carbondale, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Carbondale, IL?

For Cook Helper jobs in Carbondale, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Carbondale, IL are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Carbondale, IL with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Carbondale, IL 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 $35,881 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Substitute Cooks Helper

Carbondale, IL • On-site

Carbondale Elementary School District 95
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Carbondale Elementary School District 95external

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Substitute Cook
Date Posted:
4/2/2026
Location:
Varied
Date Available:
Open
POSITION NOTICE
SUBSTITUTE COOK'S HELPER
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Serves as a substitute cook's helper in the school lunch program. Work under the supervision of the Director of Food Services to assist in preparation and serving of the daily meals and the cleanup of the kitchen operation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicant must have a valid Food Handlers Certificate and experience in food preparation for large groups and the ability to work with students in grades K-8th.
REQUIREMENTS:
Completed Background Check Form through the Regional Office of Education #30
Completed Health Exam by a Certified Physician
Completed TB Exam by a Certified Physician
SALARY: $15.00/hr.
CONTACT:
Sherry Wyatt, Director of Food Service
Carbondale Elementary School District #95
1150 E. Grand Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-2174 Ext. 2657
Attn: Substitute Cook's Helper
Essential Job Functions
1. Assist in food preparation.
This will require repetitive movement such as cutting, chopping and spreading for up to 30 minutes at a time. Heavy lifting will occur when moving large trays, pans or pots of food from stoves and ovens to serving areas.
2. Assist in serving food to students and staff.
This will require standing for a period of 40 minutes without interruption and move along a serving line to different stations.
3. Assist in lowering and setting the tables for students and staff.
This will require moving large, folding, cafeteria tables to a specified location and lowering them into position. Heavy lifting will be required when lowering the tables.
4. Sets up tables with beverages and trays when necessary.
This will require moving from table to table and setting beverages, trays and utensils for the students.
5. Receives and stocks supplies.
This may require carrying and placing on shelve boxes and cases of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Additionally this will involve re-stocking of milk coolers that require carrying containers of milk weighing 25-30 pounds.
6. Assist with maintaining supply inventories.
This will require maintaining a written record of supplies received and used on a daily basis.
7. Scrape and wash dishes, pots and pans.
This will require loading and unloading trays in the dishwasher and washing and drying pots, pans and utensils. Moderate lifting will be required when returning these trays, pots, pans and utensils to their storage areas.
8. Assist in cleaning kitchen equipment, including surface areas, shelves and floors.
This will require cleaning stoves, ovens, meat cutters, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, counter tops, storage shelves and kitchen floors.
9. Assist in cleaning and putting up tables when finished.
This will require cleaning the tops, seats and at times the underneath areas of the large, folding, cafeteria tables raising them into storage position and moving them to their storage location in the cafeteria. Heavy lifting will be required when raising the tables.
The Substitute Cook's Helper may be requested to perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Food Services.

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