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Cook Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration of Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and Chicago Park District (CPD) Natural Areas. Under the direction of Audubon ...

Restoration Interns play a critical role in the management and restoration of Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and Chicago Park District (CPD) Natural Areas. Under the direction of Audubon ...

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Cook Internship information

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How much do cook internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook internship in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Intern, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, usually supported by a high school diploma or enrollment in a culinary program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that help you adapt in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure high-quality food production, maintain safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during a cook internship?

As a cook intern, you can expect to assist with food preparation, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and plating dishes under the supervision of experienced chefs. Interns often help maintain kitchen cleanliness, follow food safety protocols, and occasionally rotate through different kitchen stations to gain broad experience. You'll likely work closely with kitchen staff, learning about teamwork, kitchen organization, and time management in a fast-paced environment. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your foundational skills and prepare you for a full-time culinary role.

What is a cook internship?

A cook internship is a hands-on training opportunity for individuals who want to gain practical experience in a professional kitchen. Interns typically assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and kitchen organization under the supervision of experienced chefs. This role allows aspiring cooks to learn essential culinary skills, understand kitchen operations, and build a foundation for a future career in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Cook Internship vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook InternshipKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, sometimes culinary school or related courseworkNo formal credentials typically required
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, often in restaurants or hotels, with mentorshipSupportive, assisting with food prep and cleaning in kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in culinary training programs, hospitality industryCommon in restaurants, catering, and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cook Internship is designed for individuals gaining culinary skills and experience, often with mentorship, whereas a Kitchen Assistant provides general support without formal culinary training. The internship emphasizes learning and skill development, making it ideal for aspiring chefs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Cook Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
FALL 2026 Volunteer Internship

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

***This application is for a FALL 2026 Internship. The Summer 2026 internship application is CLOSED. In your cover letter, please indicate you are seeking a FALL 2026 internship***

General Description:

The CCSAO Volunteer Internship Program is highly competitive due to the hands-on, challenging, and relevant work experience participants will garner. Interns will be paired with an Assistant State’s Attorney within one of the several divisions of the Cook County Court System, who will guide and mentor the participant during their time with the office.

The volunteer will be responsible for contributing and assisting with legal research, preparing memos, partnering with counsel regarding case management and procedural requirements. This internship is unpaid and does not include benefits.

The fall volunteer internship session runs from September 8 - December 12; start and end dates are flexible between these dates.

While this role is open to all active students, preference is given to students actively perusing a Juris Doctor.

Application Deadline: August 16, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Contribute with legal research and prepare memos on pending legal issues
  • Draft motions, answers, and other required legal filings
  • Aid in the preparation of discovery
  • Other duties as assigned by supervising attorney

Minimum Qualification:

  • Must be an active student.
  • Must be in good standing with your school, and not be on any type of academic probation or the like

Physical Requirements:
(a) Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

EEO Message: The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants that are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran may contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Team via email at Hr.Sao@cookcountysao.org and arrange for an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.