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Cook Helper Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cook

Libertyville, IL

$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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Northlake, IL

$18 - $21/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. Citadel ...

Cook

Northlake, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/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. Citadel ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

... help you thrive personally and professionally. * Perks : Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel ... Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes, and quality ...

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Cook

Yorkville, IL

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Cook

Yorkville, IL

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Line Cook/Prep cook

Naperville, IL

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

As a line cook/prep cook, you are required to be able to fulfil all orders correctly, and in a ... You are also responsible for restocking your line and help in making catering orders. You are ...

Line Cook/Prep cook

Naperville, IL

$15 - $18.50/hr

As a line cook/prep cook, you are required to be able to fulfil all orders correctly, and in a ... You are also responsible for restocking your line and help in making catering orders. You are ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Line Cook/Prep cook

Montgomery, IL

$15 - $18.50/hr

As a line cook/prep cook, you are required to be able to fulfil all orders correctly, and in a ... You are also responsible for restocking your line and help in making catering orders. You are ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Encompass Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 422 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 887 rated healthcare providers


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!
About Us
The Encompass Health Way
We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification.

What Encompass Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Encompass Health logo

About Encompass Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Helping patients regain hope and independence, Encompass Health is a national leader in post-acute care. We operate rehabilitation hospitals in 36 states as well as Puerto Rico. Following the Encompass Way, we are driven by our core values: We proudly set the standard, lead with empathy, do what's right, focus on the positive, and remain stronger together.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US