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Cook Helper Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant ... We are committed to helping our team members achieve their career goals. #INDMP

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Kitchen Helper

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Kitchen Staff Wanted. Must be able to follow directions and work in a fast paced, focused environment. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Company Description Established Food Service Catering Company

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Line Cook

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities of the Line Cook: * Prepares the proper amount of food according to production or forecast sheets and production plans. * Prepares items in accordance with established recipes ...

Line Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is cooked. * Ensures that items are prepared according to recipes in a timely, efficient manner ...

Line Cook

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities of the Line Cook: * Prepares the proper amount of food according to production or forecast sheets and production plans. * Prepares items in accordance with established recipes ...

COOK

Champaign, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for ... At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help ...

COOK

Champaign, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for ... At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$16.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

) **Evening Shifts Available!!
Join our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as a Cook! The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket."
This position offers a full suite of benefits options that vary based on employment status. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
FULL-TIME
  • Full-time employees (30+ hours per week) are eligible for all benefits (medical, dental, vision, and voluntary products)
  • Benefits start on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
  • Prescription savings plans
  • All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match
  • Pay available daily
  • Eligible for PTO

PART-TIME
  • Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identity Protection, and Cyber Monitoring
  • Benefits start on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
  • Prescription savings plans
  • All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match
  • Pay available daily
  • Eligible for PTO

PRN
  • All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match
  • Pay available daily
  • Eligible for PTO

There is no higher calling, no greater purpose than a caregiver. Somehow, we've come to believe that caregiving is just for some of us and not all. Yet, at our core, we are all made to love, connect, to extend ourselves in service to others. The question is... do we have the will to love, do what it takes, and risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great? In times of happiness and sadness, we are that caregiver" - www.bickfordseniorliving.com/caregivers-manifesto
RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare meals following Bickford's menus, processes, and expectations.
  • Serve food timely, at the correct temperatures, and appropriately plated.
  • Ensure Bickford's process is followed during meal service.
  • Interact with residents in the Dining Room during meals to enhance their dining experience.
  • Wash dishes, pots, and pans following Bickford's dishwashing procedure.
  • Follow the Kitchen Daily Task Guide.
  • Utilize residents' Meal Order Information form to follow/track all resident physician ordered diets, allergies, and preferences.
  • Maintain food service records in accordance with regulatory requirements and Bickford's policies.
  • Store food in accordance with regulatory requirements and Bickford's policies.
  • Complete assigned tasks from the Kitchen Rotational Cleaning Schedule.
  • Maintain kitchen and dining room to meet regulatory requirements and Bickford's expectations for cleanliness.
  • Ensure Bistro/Beverage Bar is stocked with appropriate refreshments.
  • Coordinate with Kitchen Manager to ensure appropriate food/refreshments are provided for tours and events.

Qualifications:
  • Exhibits "learner's mindset."
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • Possess written and verbal skills for effective communication.
  • Competent in organizational and time management skills.
  • Demonstrates good judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

ABOUT BICKFORD SENIOR LIVING:
Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to enrich our resident's happiness. Founded in 1991 in Olathe, Kansas, by the Eby Family. Mary Bickford, the matriarch of the family, was the first resident of a Bickford Branch and our namesake. That location became the start of a tradition of caring that has extended to over 50 locations in 7 states. Although Bickford Senior Living has grown in size... we pride ourselves in the family environment that is the foundation on which Bickford has served thousands of residents and employees throughout the years.
www.bickfordseniorliving.com/our-story
At Bickford, you will...
Make a Difference Every Day
We are passionate about our mission - to champion quality of life for all seniors. We deliver high-quality care with a personal touch and encourage our residents to enjoy life to the fullest.
Be Part of a Uniquely Supportive Community
The care-focused environment we create for residents extends to our team members. We offer programs, rewards, and benefits to help you live your best.
Ignite Your Potential
We believe potential has no limits. We offer best-in-class leadership development programs designed to grow our leaders. We are committed to helping our team members achieve their career goals.
#INDMP