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Cook Helper Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Tuscola, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook

Urbana, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cook

Paxton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook

Paxton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

) AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook

Paxton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

) AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Biaggi's is looking for passionate line cooks to help us create the ultimate food experience. Join our culinary team that takes pride in preparing Italian pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood ...

Cook

Savoy, IL

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

) AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook

Paxton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Biaggi's is looking for passionate line cooks to help us create the ultimate food experience. Join our culinary team that takes pride in preparing Italian pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood ...

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Biaggi's is looking for passionate line cooks to help us create the ultimate food experience. Join our culinary team that takes pride in preparing Italian pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood ...

Cook

Urbana, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cook

Tuscola, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • PTO

Cook - Part-Time PM Shift Haven of Tuscola Experience individualized care at a Haven Healthcare affiliated facility. Our highly skilled clinical and therapy teams are dedicated to delivering ...

Dietary Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... help them continue making a difference in our world. Responsibilities Responsible for the ... Participate in preparing and cooking meals according to established recipes and approved menus.

Line Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Line Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Line Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

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Cook Helper information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Champaign, IL is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.76 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 Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Champaign, IL? For Cook Helper jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Champaign, 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 $35,956 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Denny's rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 258 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated restaurants


Job description

Listed wages are based on company-wide ranges. Actual earnings will vary based on factors such as: restaurant brand, experience, education, geography, applicable minimum wage, unit volume(s), hours worked & potential overtime pay.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
  • Ensure food quality, portion accuracy, temperature, and presentation meet brand standards.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products.

Kitchen Operations
  • Operate grills, fryers, ovens, sauté stations, and other kitchen equipment safely.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, prep areas, and cooking stations.
  • Coordinate with servers and kitchen team members to support timely order execution.
  • Monitor food inventory and communicate needs or issues to management.

Teamwork & Guest Focus
  • Work collaboratively with other cooks, servers, and restaurant staff.
  • Follow direction from management and shift leaders.
  • Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Reading tickets, writing prep notes, and using kitchen display systems.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
  • Use of kitchen equipment and restaurant technology, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and repetitive motions.

Work Environment
  • Work performed in a full-service restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to heat, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating standards.
  • Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
  • Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during high-volume periods.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous cooking or line cook experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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