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Cook Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wingstop

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Chicago Public Schools

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 ...

Nexus of Westmont

Cook

Westmont, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Westmont, IL Join our team at Nexus of Westmont as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing delicious meals for our customers. As a Cook, you will be responsible for food ...

Pearl of Joliet

Cook

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Cook We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Cook to join our team at Pearl of Joliet, a premier healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences. As a Cook with our ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

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 ...

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Cook will support the kitchen by preparing ingredients, cooking menu items to specification, and ensuring consistent quality and presentation. This role helps deliver a great ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

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 ...

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Join the Pearl of Fox River Valley team as a talented Cook in Elgin, IL! Our mission is to provide exceptional care and delicious meals to our residents and guests. As a Cook with our team, you ...

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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 ...

Cottages of New Lenox

Cook

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- New Lenox, IL Pay: $19/hr Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $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 ...

Trulee Evanston

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

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 ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

) 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 ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Cook information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Elmhurst, IL is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.93 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 Elmhurst, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,206 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook

Lyons, IL • On-site

Suburban Cook County Online Application Consortium
See more jobs at Suburban Cook County Online Application Consortiumexternal

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Illinois Approved Food Manager's Certificate
  • Food preparation experience preferred

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Preparation, assisting, cooking and serving a variety of food items for breakfast and lunch programs
  • Maintenance of sanitary work environment including cleaning all cooking surfaces, utensils, trays, pots and pans, floors, and counters 
  • Maintenance of high standards for food quality and appearance following guidelines for food safety in preparation, serving and storing of food
  • Ability to operate all kitchen equipment in an efficient and timely manner
  • Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation
  • Demonstrates high personal hygiene standards including proper hand washing protocol and handling of food items
  • Understands basic kitchen first aid and must report all accidents to building principal and health specialist
  • Responsible for ensuring all equipment is turned off at the end of the day
  • Demonstrate knowledge of disaster/safety actions especially in regards to fire and ability to use a fire extinguisher
  • Knowledge of various cooking methods including baking, grilling, frying, boiling, etc.
  • Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs
  • Willing to attend work related training classes and workshops as requested by building principal

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, carry 50 pounds, and push/pull 35 pounds of force
  • Ability to stand and walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time
  • Ability to adapt to changes in room temperature
  • Ability to work in the presence of loud background noise.


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