Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.8K/hr

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 ...

APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN RESTMOR INC

Cook

Waterloo, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Nexus of Godfrey

Cook

Godfrey, IL

$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 ...

Quick apply

Nexus of Godfrey

Cook

Godfrey, IL

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook

Morton, IL

$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 ...

APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN RESTMOR INC

Cook

Morton, IL

$16 - $20/hr

Myerscough Foods

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 ...

Myerscough Foods

Cook

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

) Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living PRN Shift Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others?

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Haven of Ridgeview

Cook

Oblong, IL

$16/hr

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

Haven of Ridgeview

Cook

Oblong, IL

$16/hr

Nexus of Columbia

Cook

Columbia, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook - Nexus of Columbia, IL At Nexus of Columbia, we are dedicated to serving delicious meals to our guests while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. As a key member of our ...

Quick apply

Nexus of Columbia

Cook

Columbia, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

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

Cook

Glen Carbon, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook

Glen Carbon, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook (Full-time) * 2 full-time positions available * 6 AM to 2 PM - days vary * 9 AM to 5 PM - days vary * Experience in Senior Care setting is preffered * ServSafe or State Sanitation license is ...

Quick apply

Cook

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL

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

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $19-$20 / 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

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook

O Fallon, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook

O Fallon, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cottages of New Lenox

Cook

New Lenox, IL

$19/hr

Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- New Lenox, IL Pay: $19/hr Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and ...

Quick apply

Cottages of New Lenox

Cook

New Lenox, IL

$19/hr

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

DESCRIPTION Cook - Bring Your Passion for Flavor to Our Kitchen We are looking for skilled and dedicated Cooks to join our kitchen team. Whether you specialize in the line, sauté, grill, or fry ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $18-$20 / 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

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Showing results 21-40

Cook Jobs in Illinois

Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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:

Cook jobs near you

Cook