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Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Portage, IN · 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

Portage, IN · 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

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Cook As a valued member of our culinary team at Pearl of Crystal Lake, we are seeking a skilled Cook to join our family of dedicated healthcare professionals. If you are energetic, innovative, and ...

Cook

Geneva, IL · On-site

Cook Job Summary The Nexus of Geneva is seeking a skilled Cook to join our culinary team! As a key member of our kitchen staff, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes ...

cook

Lisle, IL · On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

```html Cook Location: Lisle, IL 60532 We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to join our team in Lisle, IL. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food preparation, maintain high standards ...

Cook

Calumet City, 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

Calumet City, 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

Westmont, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Experienced Cook - Join our Team at Nexus of Westmont! We are seeking a skilled Cook to join our team at Nexus of Westmont, a premier healthcare organization dedicated to delivering exceptional ...

Cook

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Food Services/Cook Date Posted: 7/18/2026 Location: East Leyden High School Leyden High School District 212 is seeking a talented candidate for the Cook position at East Leyden High School. Please ...

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Title : Cook Employment type : Hourly : The Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, the Kitchen team ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook - The Budlong Southern Chicken Location: Chicago, IL 60625 About Us The Budlong Southern Chicken is a Chicago staple restaurant known for our fast casual southern style hot chicken. We pride ...

Cook

Gary, IN · On-site

$8.50 - $9.50/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

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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

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

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/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

Dixmoor, 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 ...

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

Country Club Hills, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/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 / Prep Cook

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Summary IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized ...

Cook / Prep Cook

Skokie, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Summary IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Chicago, IL is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 three careers in cooking?

Three careers in cooking include becoming a chef, a pastry chef, or a line cook. These roles involve preparing food in restaurants, bakeries, or catering services and often require culinary training or certifications. Each position offers different responsibilities and skill levels within the culinary industry.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cook jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,372 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$14/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Wingstop's mission is to serve the world flavor. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop. We are looking for team members who want to deliver a flavor experience.


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 standards in all areas of operation, including product preparation maintaining the highest quality products and services are delivered to each customer; follows and comprehends the importance of proper personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. The restaurant cook must be able to successfully focus on their job in a calm, yet efficient manner.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:


Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop

experience

Ability to practice safe cooking procedures

Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets

Accurately count the number of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips needed for each order

Coordinate the cooking time of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips and fries with the corresponding timer

According to Wingstop standards; Sauce, Season and package all orders

Accurately count the cooked Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips into the proper sauce bowls

Cook and prepare Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips, and

Fries in the proper fryers and baskets

Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and

with proper safety equipment

Assist in keeping the kitchen clean throughout the shift maintaining clean as you

go and at closing time

Immediately notify Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues

Assist other employees as needed

Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor

Know and thoroughly understand the importance of good hygiene and food

handling practices

Ability to thoroughly understand and follow instructions in how to properly and

safely use chemical cleaning products


Key Skills/Abilities:


Guest service mentality; has a genuine desire to serve the customer

Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations

Manages multiple projects and timelines with a sense of urgency and follow

through

Well organized and detail oriented

Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self improvement

Has an outgoing personality

Strong work ethic


Additional Information:


Cook and restaurant experience is a plus!

Food Handler Certification required


Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Free meals 
  • Flexible schedule


Experience:


Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Line cook: 1 year (Preferred)


Disclaimer:


The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.


Flavor Nation Restaurant logo

About Flavor Nation Restaurant

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights. Today there are more than 2,000 restaurants open across the globe. Wingstop quickly became a fan favorite when we first opened our doors in 1994. Our proprietary recipes, outstanding food and superior customer service created a demand that could only be satisfied by more locations. And in 1997 we began offering franchises. Today we are one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country, attracting top entrepreneurs and operators with the drive and passion to own their own business. We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavor business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavor since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

San Mateo, CA, US