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Cook Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/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 ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Join Our Team as a Cook at The Retro Grill! Are you passionate about creating delicious meals and working in a vibrant kitchen environment? The Retro Grill, located in the heart of Chicago, IL, is ...

Cook

Sugar Grove, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Immediate Opening for a Highly Skilled Cook Are you passionate about working in a fun, loving kitchen where bold flavors and teamwork come first? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment that values ...

Cook

Minooka, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a Cook at Pearl of Joliet, you will prepare and cook a variety of meals for our patients and staff, ensuring that every dish meets our high standards of quality and taste. This is a part-time ...

Cook

Minooka, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook at Pearl of Joliet, you will prepare and cook a variety of meals for our patients and staff, ensuring that every dish meets our high standards of quality and taste. This is a part-time ...

Cook

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/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

Bartlett, IL · 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

Elgin, 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

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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

Villa Park, 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

Elgin, IL

$12 - $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 ...

Cook

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$13 - $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 ...

Cook

Streamwood, IL · 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

Justice, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Cook

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/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

Addison, IL · On-site

$13 - $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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook information

See Aurora, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Aurora, IL is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $17.40 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Aurora, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Aurora, IL?

For Cook jobs in Aurora, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Aurora, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Aurora, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,142 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an experienced Cook to join our team! 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 experience as a cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a friendly and productive team atmosphere. Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification.
Responsibilities:
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating the temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters
  • Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience
  • Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking
  • Respond to guest feedback with appropriate urgency and professionalism

Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a restaurant cook preferred
  • ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification (or must be willing to attain)
  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to lift 30+ lbs
  • Ability to work standing for 8+ hours

Complete our short application today!
Become a part of the team!
At R.Salerno Restaurant Group, we value personality and drive over experience alone. We push our people to achieve their highest potential. We reward success with a fair wage, opportunities to grow, and best in class benefits. We foster a fun and supportive community that drives engagement and passion.
We love training and developing our teammates to not only be successful at Salerno's, but successful leaders in their everyday world. If this sounds up your alley, take a look below and apply!