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Cook Helper Jobs in North Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Citadel of Skokie

Cook

Skokie, 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. Citadel ...

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Cook Helper information

See North Chicago, IL salary details

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$16

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How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in North Chicago, IL is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $18.94 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 popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in North Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in North 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 $34,531 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Cook

The Citadel of Skokie

Skokie, IL • On-site

$19 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Citadel of Skokie is seeking a Cook to join their team! The Cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques resulting in foods that meet the nutritional guidelines and safety standards, treating our residents with respect. At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union

Cook Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. 
  • Inspects special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident. 
  • Performs administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submits to management.
  • Ensures that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies. 
  • Assists in establishing food service production lines, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time. 
  • Processes diet changes and new diets as received from nursing and dietary staff
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Cook Qualifications and Skills:

  • Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Must be able to read recipes and convert ingredients to different serving sizes.
  • Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.

Cook Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Two or more years of cooking experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

  • Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, extended sitting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing and pulling, ability to distinguish smells and temperatures, all with or without the aid of mechanical devices is required.

Citadel Healthcare Benefits:

  • Daily Pay & Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance.
  • Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance
  • Innovative Training Programs
  • Opportunity for Growth and Advancement
  • Paid Time Off

Apply to join a growing team today!

Citadel Healthcare has a long and successful history of providing long and short-term skilled nursing care. At Citadel, we are committed to personalized, integrated care that factors in the total well-being of every guest and their family members, and that does not just meet, but exceeds, their expectations. As part of this empathetic, respectful culture of care, we are dedicated to meeting individual preferences and needs in order to help each guest feel at home and achieve an optimal health outcome- our number one goal.

Citadel Healthcare has been nominated as a Great Place to Work. Please click on the link to learn more about our facilities. We look forward to receiving your application! https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7020324

We don’t just offer care for you – we care about you.

Citadel Healthcare Facilities are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate based on any protected right such as race, color, nationality, gender, age, disability or any protected applicable right under the National Labor Relations Act.