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Cook Helper Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cook

Elgin, IL

$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.

... 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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Naperville, 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 ...

Cook

Wheaton, IL

$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 ...

Cook

Westmont, 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 ...

Cook

Naperville, 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 ...

Cook PT

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

Cook

Prospect Heights, 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 ...

Cook

Westmont, 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 ...

Cook

Naperville, 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 ...

Cook

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Prospect Heights, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook Helper information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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:

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

Hhs

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Location:

Lutheran Home - CNS

Pay Rate:

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 19.50 USD Hourly

Work Shift:

Evening Shift (United States of America)

Job Description

We're looking for friendly, compassionate, team players to join our culinary team!
Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and provide food service for patients, the retail cafe, and catering events at the hospital.

Responsibilities

Cook

Wage: $19.50/hour
Full-time position available
Evening/Night shift available
Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required
Location: Lutheran Home

Responsibilities

  • Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff

  • Follow company recipes and guidelines to prepare all food items

  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all cleaning, sanitation, and closing procedures

  • Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures

  • Assist team members and management as needed to help the department operate efficiently

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healthcare)

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Communicate effectively in English and work well in a team environment

  • Must practice good personal hygiene, be neatly groomed, and be in uniform

  • Preferred: Culinary experience (cook, cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice)

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged standing and walking continuously, pushing dish racks, frequent stooping, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds

  • Must be able to operate equipment necessary to perform essential functions of the job

Benefits

We offer flexible schedules, excellent training, competitive wages, work-life balance, job satisfaction, and promotion opportunities.

  • Paid Time Off

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • 401K

  • Short Term Disability

  • Voluntary Life

  • Safety Incentive Program

Important to Know

  • Applicants must pass a background check, drug screen, and provide proof of employment eligibility in the U.S.

  • Many healthcare facilities require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption in place.

  • Veterans and candidates with military experience are encouraged to apply.

  • HHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.

About HHS

HHS is a private, family-owned business dedicated to caring for its team members and providing honest, quality-driven customer service. Founded in 1975 as Hospital Housekeeping Systems, today HHS provides services including housekeeping, food, and facility management to nearly 1,000 customers across six industries.