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Cook Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HELPER COOK

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School District - 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only.

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School District - 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only.

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School District - 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only.

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School District - 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Cook Reports to: Kitchen Leader/Manager on Duty SUMMARY OF POSITION: Stocks, prepares, and cooks ... A steady hand will help you greatly. * Food Safety knowledge and/or certification. * Stamina:

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 ...

Cook

Portage, IN

$12 - $20/hr

We're looking for a dedicated Cook to join our team and help us continue the tradition of making meals that keep our customers coming back for generations. What You'll Be Doing As a Cook at Schoop ...

New

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 ...

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.35/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 ...

Cook

Munster, IN

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook - Munster Med-Inn At Munster Med-Inn, our mission is to provide high-quality, patient-centered ... Please submit your application to join our team and help us provide exceptional care and services ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Chicago, IL is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.29 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 Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Chicago, 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 $36,986 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

 
Substitute cook's helper reports to the Head Cook and is responsible for assisting with serving meals, washing student trays after each lunch period, clean up of dining and kitchen areas when lunch hours are completed.  Other duties as needed. 
Physical Requirements:  Able to lift up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and working in hot and cold kitchen conditions.
Starting rate: $15.00/hr
Substitute position does not include benefits










Lake County Schools Consortium logo

About Lake County Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lake County Schools Consortium is a notable entity within the educational sector in the US. Based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, the consortium serves as an umbrella organization for a number of schools within Lake County. Its official website 'lake.k12.il.us' provides abundant information on working within various educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to high schools. The Consortium focuses on ensuring that education and learning resources are adequately provided to all institutions, as well as coordinating efforts for optimal utilization of resources between schools.

Industry

Education

Headquarters location

Vernon Hills, IL, US

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