Cook
Mattoon, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Cook Location: Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL Department: Kitchen Reports to: Kitchen Manager Job Summary: Stadium Grill is seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal ...
Cook
Mattoon, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Cook Location: Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL Department: Kitchen Reports to: Kitchen Manager Job Summary: Stadium Grill is seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal ...
Cook
$16 - $20/hr
Prepares and cooks a variety of meals for residents and staff utilizing recipes and ingredients provided. Provides oversight over evening dietary staff. Essential Job Duties: * Prepares and cooks a ...
Cook
$16 - $20/hr
Prepares and cooks a variety of meals for residents and staff utilizing recipes and ingredients provided. Provides oversight over evening dietary staff. Essential Job Duties: * Prepares and cooks a ...
Cook
Waterloo, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Waterloo, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Godfrey, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Cook Job Location: Godfrey, IL About the Role: Nexus of Godfrey is seeking a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team! As a Cook, you will play a vital role in preparing and serving delicious ...
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Cook
Godfrey, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Cook Job Location: Godfrey, IL About the Role: Nexus of Godfrey is seeking a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team! As a Cook, you will play a vital role in preparing and serving delicious ...
Cook
Camp Point, IL · On-site
$17/hr
Our cooks are essential to the facility's daily operation. Our residents enjoy a restaurant style dining service. It is the responsibility of our Cook's to prepare and present healthy, delicious ...
Quick apply
Cook
Camp Point, IL · On-site
$17/hr
Our cooks are essential to the facility's daily operation. Our residents enjoy a restaurant style dining service. It is the responsibility of our Cook's to prepare and present healthy, delicious ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Springfield, IL · On-site
$14 - $18.50/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Springfield, IL · On-site
$14 - $18.50/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Glen Carbon, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Glen Carbon, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Arlington Heights, IL · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Arlington Heights, IL · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Naperville, IL · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
Title : Cook Employment type : Hourly : The Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, the Kitchen team ...
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Cook
Naperville, IL · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
Title : Cook Employment type : Hourly : The Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, the Kitchen team ...
Cook
Effingham, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Effingham, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Oblong, IL · On-site
$16/hr
PTO
Cook - Part-time Location: Haven of Ridgeview - Oblong, IL Now Hiring: Part-Time Cook Haven of Ridgeview is seeking a reliable and compassionate Cook to join our team. In this role, you will prepare ...
Quick apply
Cook
Oblong, IL · On-site
$16/hr
PTO
Cook - Part-time Location: Haven of Ridgeview - Oblong, IL Now Hiring: Part-Time Cook Haven of Ridgeview is seeking a reliable and compassionate Cook to join our team. In this role, you will prepare ...
Cook
Bolingbrook, IL · On-site
Position Summary The Cook will support the kitchen by preparing ingredients, cooking menu items to specification, and ensuring consistent quality and presentation. This role helps deliver a great ...
Quick apply
Cook
Bolingbrook, IL · On-site
Position Summary The Cook will support the kitchen by preparing ingredients, cooking menu items to specification, and ensuring consistent quality and presentation. This role helps deliver a great ...
Cook
Evanston, IL · On-site
$19 - $21/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Cook - Trulee Evanston Shift Available: Full Time Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook. Love making a difference ...
Quick apply
Cook
Evanston, IL · On-site
$19 - $21/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Cook - Trulee Evanston Shift Available: Full Time Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook. Love making a difference ...
Cook
Litchfield, IL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Litchfield, IL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...
Cook
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$18.25 - $21.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $18.25 - $21.50 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...
Cook
Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site
$18.25 - $21.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $18.25 - $21.50 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...
Cook
Bolingbrook, IL · On-site
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Bolingbrook, IL · On-site
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Joliet, IL · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook
Joliet, IL · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...
Cook information
See Illinois salary details
$8.62 - $9.78
2% of jobs
$9.78 - $10.95
4% of jobs
$10.95 - $12.11
9% of jobs
$13.28 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.11 - $13.28
10% of jobs
$13.28 - $14.44
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.22 / hr.
$14.44 - $15.61
16% of jobs
$15.61 - $16.77
15% of jobs
$17.20 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.77 - $17.94
12% of jobs
$17.94 - $19.10
9% of jobs
$19.10 - $20.27
5% of jobs
$20.27 - $21.43
3% of jobs
$8
$15
$21
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Illinois is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does a cook do?
A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.
What does a cook do?
A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.
What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?
During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.
What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?
| Aspect | Cook | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | None required or basic culinary training | Formal culinary education or extensive experience |
| Work Environment | Restaurants, cafeterias, catering | Fine dining, hotels, culinary establishments |
| Responsibilities | Preparing dishes, following recipes | Menu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks |
In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.
What jobs can you do if you like cooking?
If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Illinois?
The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Illinois?
For Cook jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Illinois look for?
The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cook jobs?
Cities in Illinois with the most Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in IL?
For Cook jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
$16 - $19/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 10 days ago
Job description
Job Title: Cook
Location: Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL
Department: Kitchen
Reports to: Kitchen Manager
Location: Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL
Department: Kitchen
Reports to: Kitchen Manager
Job Summary:
Stadium Grill is seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have a love for food, excellent cooking skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring the overall satisfaction of our customers.
Stadium Grill is seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have a love for food, excellent cooking skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring the overall satisfaction of our customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook food according to our menu and customer orders.
- Ensure all food is cooked to the correct temperature and quality standards.
- Assist in the preparation and presentation of menu items, following recipes and portion control guidelines.
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation, including proper food storage and sanitation practices.
- Monitor food inventory and notify the Kitchen Manager when supplies are low.
- Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Adhere to health and safety regulations and food safety standards.
- Assist in training and mentoring new kitchen staff as needed.
- Handle kitchen equipment with care and report any malfunctions to the Kitchen Manager.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a Cook or in a similar kitchen role preferred.
- Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and food safety practices.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Must be able to stand for long periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in hot and noisy conditions.
- Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Opportunity for growth and advancement within the company.
- Employee discounts.
- Friendly and supportive work environment.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume or apply in person at Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL
Please submit your resume or apply in person at Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL