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Cook Helper Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hhs

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19.50/hour Full-time position available Evening/Night shift available ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Crescent Care of Elgin

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$18 - $22.94/hr

The cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques ... If you are looking for a meaningful career in helping others, Crescent Care is the place for you.

HHS LLC

Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Hhs

Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Cook

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Cook

Bloomingdale, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Sunrise Senior Living

Cook

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper

North Aurora, IL

$30.62/hr

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$30.62/hr

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

Pavilion on Main Street

Cook

Sandwich, IL · On-site

$19 - $20.50/hr

The cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques ... help each guest feel at home and achieve an optimal health outcome - our number one goal. We don't ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Elgin, IL

Cook Helper information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Elgin, IL is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.47 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 Elgin, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Elgin, 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 $35,491 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Cook

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute

Genoa, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Cook Career Opportunity

Recognized for your culinary skills

Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who not only brings skill to the kitchen but also seeks a career close to home and close to heart. In this role, you'll be instrumental in preparing therapeutic and modified diets for patients. Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next chapter starts here. Welcome to a kitchen where your skills meet a sense of belonging.

A Glimpse into Our World

At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Working with us means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.

Starting Perks and Benefits

At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:

  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
  • Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
  • Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous education.
  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!

Become the Cook you always wanted to be

  • Apportion servings according to menu combinations or orders for patients.
  • Follow menus, recipes, and oral instructions in the preparation of various foods.
  • Serve appropriate portion sizes based on menu specifications.
  • Plan timing of preparation of the food to ensure food satisfaction.
  • Ensure satisfaction regarding taste, texture, temperature and appearance.

Qualifications

  • Possession of a food handler's permit, if required by state or county regulations.
  • Training in food preparation for therapeutic diets.
  • Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable.
  • Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines.
  • Flexibility in working weekdays, weekends, evenings, or night shifts to meet deadlines is expected.

We're eagerly looking forward to meeting you, and we genuinely mean that. Join us on this remarkable journey!

Apply