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Cook Helper Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $18.23/hr

We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered ... Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population Cooks are responsible for: * Preparing ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $18.23/hr

We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered ... Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population Cooks are responsible for: * Preparing ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $18.23/hr

We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered ... Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population Cooks are responsible for: * Preparing ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook

Lincoln, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Sub Cook

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Sub Cook

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook

Lincoln, IL ยท 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 ...

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL ยท 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 ...

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook Helper information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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:

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 - Full Time

North Mac Schools

Girard, IL โ€ข On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food Services/Cook
Date Posted:
6/1/2026
Location:
North Mac Food Service
Position: COOK
Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Knowledge of food preparation
  2. Ability to work as an effective team member
  3. Basic physical and visual activities are required
  4. Criminal background checks are required

Reports to: Building Principal and Food Service Coordinator
Contract Year: Subject to contract
Salary: Subject to collective bargaining agreement
Qualifications: Possess all NSLP food safety and handling licensing and certification requirements, follow the health and sanitation codes, knowledge of food preparation and student behavior management
The basic functions of this position:
  1. Follow all state and federal guidelines
  2. Perform all duties assigned by the administration, head cook, and Food Service Coordinator
  3. All other duties as assigned

Major Responsibilities:
  1. Food Preparation
  2. Serving
  3. Safety and Cleanliness
  4. Miscellaneous

Major Responsibility No. 1: Food Preparation
Key Duties:
  1. Prepare the foods according to a planned menu and as directed by the head cook
  2. Reports to head cook regarding any faulty or inferior quality food which is received from a vendor
  3. Wears the proper hair netting for food preparation.
  4. Notify head cook if any products are not available upon preparing daily menu

Major Responsibility No. 2: Serving the Meals
Key Duties:
  1. Check with head cook on the size of portions to be served.
  2. Prepare cafeteria serving counter
  3. Serve the meals in an attractive manner
  4. Keep the condiments filled during the serving period
  5. Serve the food to staff and students in a friendly manner
  6. Wear the proper hair covering and gloves for serving

Major Responsibility No. 3: Safety and Cleanliness
Key Duties:
  1. Maintain the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen
  2. Responsible for cleaning and care of all equipment including but not limited to washing and sterilizing of all dishes, silverware, and utensils
  3. Responsible for cleanliness of all work surfaces and kitchen floor
  4. Responsible for washing daily kitchen laundry
  5. Maintain proper self-hygiene while working in the kitchen and serving area

Major Responsibility No. 4: Miscellaneous
Key Duties:
  1. Report to head cook regarding any personnel problems. If the problem is not resolved, report to the school principal โ€ข
  2. If head cook is not in the building, check in and sign food shipment orders and invoices once order is verified
  3. If head cook is not in the building, oversee locking the storeroom, and refrigerator/freezer
  4. Perform related duties as required and/or assigned by Head Cook
  5. All other duties as assigned