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Cook Jobs in Carbondale, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Jackson, MO

$12.25 - $16.25/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

Jackson, MO · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/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

Herrin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts available Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required Location: Deaconess ...

Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

West Frankfort, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts available Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required Location: Deaconess ...

Cook

Herrin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

West Frankfort, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Anna, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Du Quoin, IL

$12 - $16/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Anna, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Du Quoin, IL · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Du Quoin, IL · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

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Cook information

See Carbondale, IL salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Carbondale, IL is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 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 Carbondale, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Carbondale, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,319 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook

Carbondale, IL • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cook`s Helper
Date Posted:
6/30/2026
Location:
Carbondale Community High School
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Position: Cook (Full-time) Posted: June 30, 2026
Terms of Employment:
The 2026-27 hourly rate of pay will be $16.50 per hour. Benefits include IMRF pension contribution, health, dental, vision and life insurance, personal leave and sick days, paid holidays, fitness reimbursement, and an Employee Sick Leave Bank.
Qualifications Preferred:
Experience working in schools. Demonstrates aptitude for successful performance of the tasks listed. Food Sanitation Certification required.
Reports to: Head Cook
Job Goal:
To serve the students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness and warmth.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Assist in the preparation and serving of food in an efficient and pleasant manner.
2. Assume responsibility for seeing that during meal service periods the supply of food offered is replenished regularly.
3. Assist in the daily clean-up of the kitchen and service areas.
4. Perform major cleaning of refrigerators and storerooms at regularly scheduled intervals as designated by the Head Cook.
5. Assume responsibility for storage and disposal of unused foods.
6. Perform any other tasks as designated by the Head Cook.