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Cook Helper Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sonic

Cook

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Guernsey Holdings LLC

Cook

Taylorville, IL

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Lincoln, IL

$15 - $16.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

North Mac Schools

Sub Cook

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

North Mac Schools

Sub Cook

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking ...

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking ...

Arc at Sangamon valley

Cook

Springfield, IL

$18/hr

Cook Job Summary: The Cook is responsible for food preparation in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations to assure that quality food ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Springfield, IL

Cook Helper information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Springfield, IL is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.52 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 Springfield, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Springfield, 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 $35,584 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Cook

Sonic

Taylorville, IL • On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Sonic Drive-In rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 1,625 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Position:Cook

Immediate Supervisor:Manager on Duty (MOD)


Position Summary:This position cooks, prepares, and packages product.


Job Duties:

  • Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational and quality standards
  • Operate dresser, front swamp, back swamp, grill, and food prep stations as assigned
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards
  • Perform regular cleaning and sanitation duties - including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes and food preparation tools, wiping counters, sanitizing food preparation areas, cleaning equipment, and emptying used grease - pursuant to operational standards
  • Regular attendance


ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

  • Report customer or employee complaints/issues to MOD
  • Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required


Time/Shift Expectations:Flexible schedule, Irregular hours; days, nights; weekends; and holidays


Qualifications and Job Requirements:

  • Knowledge/Skills
  • General restaurant or retail knowledge
  • Basic math and reading skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to follow directions
  • Multi-tasking skills

Work Environment:Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to extreme temperatures based on variable weather conditions

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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