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Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

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 station, you'll ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Des Plaines, 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 ...

Denny's

Cook

O Fallon, 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 ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Pekin, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Salem, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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 ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

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 ...

Village Inn

Cook

Moline, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $17-$19 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...

Wingstop

Cook

La Grange, IL

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

University of Utah

Cook

Campus, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Details Open Date 08/06/2026 Requisition Number PRN45857B Job Title Cook Working Title Child Care Cook Career Progression Track B Track Level FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No ...

Denny's

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

University of Utah

Cook

Campus, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Details Open Date 08/06/2026 Requisition Number PRN45857B Job Title Cook Working Title Child Care Cook Career Progression Track B Track Level FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/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 ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $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 ...

Chicago Public Schools

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS : Under supervision, prepares foods using a variety of cooking methods at a Chicago Public Schools' facility; and performs related duties as required. ESSENTIAL ...

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Illinois

Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu 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
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,307 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cook

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Lazy Dog Restaurants rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Certified Great Place to Work 8 Years in a row!
Cook: At this location, our cooks earn $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 individuals that want to grow with a company that cares.
What we offer:
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Teammate discount
  • Supplemental medical, dental, vision, 401k
  • Discounted supplemental benefits
  • Eligibility for an Emergency Financial plan
  • Discounts to theme parks, pet insurance, Legal and Identity Theft Insurance
  • A family that supports YOUR personal and professional growth

We are looking for Full- Service Line Cooks:
  • 2 to 5 years' experience on a fast-paced line, working all stations.
  • Accountable for all aspects of assigned cooking stations to include set up, stock product, cook and present dishes according to Lazy Dogs recipes.
  • Ensure only "fresh" high-quality ingredients are used when preparing all recipes.
  • Ensure the proper recipe is displayed on the monitor during the preparation and cooking process.
  • Ensure proper recipe adherence is followed whenever producing items.
  • Strive to never sell a dish that is not up to Lazy Dog Standards.
  • Follow food safety procedures, clean, sanitize and maintain equipment, utensils, and tools throughout kitchen.
  • Ensure proper use of PPE when applicable and ensuring a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of cooking equipment in assigned cooking station to include startup, shut down, shift maintenance, cleaning and repairing as needed.
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
  • Alert chef team immediately of any product, equipment and/or food safety concerns.
  • Guest focused and likes to multi-task.
  • Demonstrate basic English/Spanish communication skills a plus.
  • Trusting, passionate, humble, and gracious team player.
  • Build lasting relationships with trust and respect.
  • Create fun.

Education
  • High School (preferred)

Licenses & Certifications
  • Food Handlers Card (California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, Virginia)

Join Lazy Dog and be part of a culture of caring, great benefits, and continuous growth.

What Lazy Dog Restaurants employees say

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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