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Cook Jobs in Mattoon, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Arcola, IL

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: Arcola, IL Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $17.50 per hour Open Interviews Tuesday - Thursday | 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Stop in and interview the same day! Join a Team That Cares as Much as You Do ...

Cook

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new favorite meal. Whatever your role, you'll make food that tastes like home. So, if you're making ...

Dietary Cook

Mattoon, IL

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Dietary Cook Mattoon Rehab and Healthcare Center Are you a Dietary Cook seeking an exciting new career opportunity? Look no further! Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is seeking dietary rockstars to ...

Dietary Cook

Effingham, IL

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Dietary Cook $1,000 Sign On Bonus for Full Time Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Effingham, IL Are you a Dietary Cook seeking an exciting new career opportunity? Look no further! Tutera Senior ...

Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new favorite meal. Whatever your role, you'll make food that tastes like home. So, if you're making ...

Cook

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new favorite meal. Whatever your role, you'll make food that tastes like home. So, if you're making ...

Cook - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Dietary Cook

Paris, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Twin Lakes Extended Care is hiring a full-time Dietary Cook to join our dietary team. This role helps prepare and serve meals for residents in a skilled nursing environment while maintaining quality ...

Evening Cook

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clean cooking area and serving carts. Report resident care concerns and potential issues to Administrator and/or Director of Nurses. Participate in the orientation and on going training of dietary ...

Dietary Cook

Charleston, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Responsible for the preparation and cooking of food in the community. Ensure that all meals are prepared and presented according to Company standards. * Provide a high level of ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook information

See Mattoon, IL salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Mattoon, IL is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 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 Mattoon, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Mattoon, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,317 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Cook

Location: Arcola, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $17.50 per hour

Open Interviews

Tuesday – Thursday | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Stop in and interview the same day!

Join a Team That Cares as Much as You Do

At Haven of Arcola, a Haven Healthcare-affiliated facility, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Our residents and team members are valued, respected, and supported in a welcoming, team-oriented environment. Through compassionate, individualized care and collaboration among our clinical, therapy, and support teams, we create meaningful experiences every day.

If you're passionate about preparing quality meals and making a difference in the lives of others, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

Haven of Arcola is seeking a dependable and dedicated Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for our residents while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment. This role is essential to ensuring a positive dining experience and supporting resident well-being.

Responsibilities
  • Prepare and serve meals according to established menus and dietary guidelines

  • Set up and operate the tray line efficiently

  • Deliver meal trays to resident areas in a timely manner

  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and work areas

  • Assist in the dish room as needed

  • Follow all facility policies, food safety standards, and federal/state regulations

  • Work collaboratively with dietary staff and other team members

QualificationsRequired
  • Previous experience as a Cook

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays

Preferred
  • Experience in a healthcare, skilled nursing, or long-term care setting

Schedule
  • Day and evening shifts available (AM/PM)

  • Weekend and holiday availability required

Benefits
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance

  • 401(k)

  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

  • Voluntary Life & Disability Insurance

  • Daily Pay – access your earnings when you need them

  • Employee Perks Program featuring discounts on travel, shopping, entertainment, and more

Work Location
  • In-person

  • Arcola, IL

Equal Opportunity Employer

Haven of Arcola is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Apply Today

Walk in for an on-the-spot interview Tuesday through Thursday between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. We look forward to meeting you and discussing how you can become part of the Haven of Arcola team.