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Cook Helper Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Childcare Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Overview Childcare Cook Help Us Serve Healthy Meals and Happy Childhoods Do you enjoy cooking, staying organized, and making a difference in children's lives? The Nest Schools is looking for a ...

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 ...

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

Baker's Helper

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

Baker's Helper

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

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

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $15/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 ...

Cook

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mechanic Helper

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21/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 ...

Mechanic Helper

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$31.27/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 ...

Mechanic Helper

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$31.27/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 ...

Cook

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$22/hr

The Cook also demonstrates experience and knowledge in the preparation of hot and cold food items ... To help with both of these, employees are eligible for: * Paid Time Off * Company Match for the ...

Cook

Glenview, IL · On-site

$20.02 - $26.25/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 ...

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Cook Helper information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Evanston, IL is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.89 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 Evanston, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Evanston, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Evanston, IL? For Cook Helper jobs in Evanston, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Evanston, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Evanston, IL are:
What cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Evanston, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,455 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$15.26/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen daily following the HACCP policy.
  • Maintains and follows the instruction of the Head Cook with the set up and serving of the daily student lunches.
  • Assists with the daily clean-up of the kitchen and cafeteria following the HACCP policy.
  • Sets up and maintains the dishwasher daily, cleans with chemicals to keep residue from forming weekly following the HACCP policy.
  • At the end of each lunch period clean and sanitize lunch trays and any kitchenware used to preplunch.
  • Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed.
  • Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence.
  • Attends meetings and in-services as requested.
  • Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and cafeteria.
  • Maintains a pleasant attitude with all staff and students.
  • Physical Requirements: lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and working in hot and cold kitchen conditions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School diploma or equivalent      

Hourly rate beginning at $15.26




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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