Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Collinsville, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
East Alton, IL · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
East Alton, IL · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$16.50/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 ...
Cook
$16.50/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 ...
Cook
O Fallon, IL · On-site
$16/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 ...
Cook
O Fallon, IL · On-site
$16/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 ...
Cook
$16/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 ...
Cook
$16/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 ...
Cook
O Fallon, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
O Fallon, IL · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Bridgeton, MO · On-site
$15/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 ...
Cook
Bridgeton, MO · On-site
$15/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 ...
Cook
Jennings, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Jennings, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13.50/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 ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13.50/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 ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$15/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 ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$15/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 ...
Cook
Edwardsville, IL · On-site
$16/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 ...
Cook
Edwardsville, IL · On-site
$16/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 ...
Cook
Ferguson, MO · On-site
$12.50/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 ...
Cook
Ferguson, MO · On-site
$12.50/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 ...
Cook
Granite City, IL · On-site
$15 - $22.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Cook Up a Career That Makes a Difference. Cook Gateway Regional Medical Center | Granite City, IL Pay Range: $15.00 - $22.50 per hour Schedule: Full-Time Every Meal Matters. Every Recipe Supports ...
Cook
Granite City, IL · On-site
$15 - $22.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Cook Up a Career That Makes a Difference. Cook Gateway Regional Medical Center | Granite City, IL Pay Range: $15.00 - $22.50 per hour Schedule: Full-Time Every Meal Matters. Every Recipe Supports ...
Cook
Hazelwood, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...
Cook
Hazelwood, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...
Cook
Godfrey, IL · On-site
$16 - $17/hr
Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...
Quick apply
Cook
Godfrey, IL · On-site
$16 - $17/hr
Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
Pontoon Beach, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
Pontoon Beach, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook information
See Alton, IL salary details
$8.55 - $9.71
2% of jobs
$9.71 - $10.86
4% of jobs
$10.86 - $12.02
9% of jobs
$13.18 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.02 - $13.18
10% of jobs
$13.18 - $14.33
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.10 / hr.
$14.33 - $15.49
16% of jobs
$15.49 - $16.64
15% of jobs
$17.06 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.64 - $17.80
12% of jobs
$17.80 - $18.95
9% of jobs
$18.95 - $20.11
5% of jobs
$20.11 - $21.27
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 Alton, IL is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $17.36 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 Alton, IL?
The most popular types of Cook jobs in Alton, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Alton, IL?
For Cook jobs in Alton, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Alton, IL are hiring for Cook jobs?
Cities near Alton, IL with the most Cook job openings:
Sonic Drive-In rating
4.7
Based on 1,626 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
80th of 106 rated fast food restaurants
Job description
Description:
THIS IS A FRANCHISE POSITION
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY can't hang together? At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
Requirements:
SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Requirements:
- Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
- Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC Drive-In restaurants
- General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
Additional Info:
Additional SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Qualifications...
- Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing quality products for our guests!
- A willingness to cross-train on all the stations - it never gets boring here!
- Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in clean and safe.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee's knees, cruisin' . . . you get the picture! It's downright sensational!!
All that's missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.
THIS IS A FRANCHISE POSITION
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY can't hang together? At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
Requirements:
SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Requirements:
- Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
- Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC Drive-In restaurants
- General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
Additional Info:
Additional SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Qualifications...
- Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing quality products for our guests!
- A willingness to cross-train on all the stations - it never gets boring here!
- Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in clean and safe.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee's knees, cruisin' . . . you get the picture! It's downright sensational!!
All that's missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.
What Sonic Drive-In employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom