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Cook Jobs in Mattoon, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

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 ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Cook - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL

$16/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Cook - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Cook - Mattoon CUSD #2585

Mattoon, IL

$16/hr

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 ...

Pacs

Evening Cook

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

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 ...

Twin Lakes Extended Care

Dietary Cook

Paris, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.28/hr

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 ...

Villas of Holly Brook

Dietary Cook

Charleston, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

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 ...

The Villas of Holly Brook

Be Seen First

Dietary Cook

Charleston, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

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 ...

The Villas of Holly Brook

Be Seen First

Dietary Cook

Charleston, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

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 ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

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 ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Mattoon, IL

$15 - $22/hr

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 ...

Compass Group

COOK

Effingham, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Previous batch cooking experience preferred. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a ...

TravelCenters of America

IHOP Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Cook is a key member of the restaurant team responsible for preparing and presenting quality food to guests so that we are returning every traveler to the road better than they came! In this role ...

TravelCenters of America

IHOP Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Cook is a key member of the restaurant team responsible for preparing and presenting quality food to guests so that we are returning every traveler to the road better than they came! In this role ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Mattoon, IL

Cook information

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How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.
More about Cook jobs

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:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Mattoon, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,317 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Dietary Cook

Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Effingham, IL • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description


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 Living & Health Care is seeking dietary rockstars to join our team! If you are dedicated and compassionate, WE WANT YOU!
What Will You Do in This Role?
As a Dietary Cook, you are responsible for preparing and serving meals according to the menu, monitoring methods of food handling, preparation, meal service, and equipment cleaning. You will also safely and efficiently provide nutritionally appropriate food to residents for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing their overall health. As a Dietary Cook, you will ensure the provision of quality food service and nutrition care in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
Do You Have What It Takes?
  • A fire and passion for working with seniors
  • A flexible, fun, and energetic personality
  • High school diploma, or equivalent, required
  • Prior dietary experience in a LTC/SNF/AL/MC setting highly preferred
  • One year of experience as a cook in a large-scale cooking operation highly preferred
  • Professional image in both appearance and behavior
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Why is Tutera THE Employer of Choice?
  • Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is guided by one single purpose: To live the YOUNITE philosophy in every decision, every day. Based on genuine respect, YOUNITE is how we get to know residents and team members on a personal level. By asking about our employees' and residents' unique needs and preferences, we actively listen and then deliver. Do you want to work for a company where you are the driving force behind every decision made?
  • Tutera offers stability; our family-owned company was founded in 1985!
  • Tutera offers a competitive starting wage and amazing benefits! We take care of you so you can be a rockstar at work and at home!
  • Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is dedicated to growing and developing our Tutera rockstars. Through Tutera University, every employee has the opportunity to learn new skills and become the best they can be!

Apply today and let us show you how we are inspired by you.
Equal Opportunity Employer. The wage and benefit information provided in this listing is subject to change. Benefits eligibility criteria must be met to enroll in available benefits.
Benefits
How Can You Benefit?
  • Advanced Pay
  • Financial Literacy Classes
  • Employee Assistance Program offering Mental Health Resources, Legal Guidance, Financial Information, and more!
  • Child Care Discount
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) for Eligible Locations
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay
  • Exclusive Tutera Perks
  • Tutera University
  • Advancement Opportunities

Job ID
2026-18985

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