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Cook Jobs in Round Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$22/hr

The Cook also shows experience preparing hot and cold food items and all standardized knife cuts. You will exercise problem-solving skills to resolve issues that potentially arise. You will follow ...

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19.50/hour Full-time position available Evening/Night shift available Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required Location: Lutheran Home ...

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...

A background with cooking is a must. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces * Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified ...

Cook

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$17.23 - $24.98/hr

OVERVIEW This role involves preparing and cooking food by following recipes, using safe food handling practices, and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. The employee also portions and serves ...

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...

Prep Cook / Line Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook Reports To Chef We are looking for an experienced Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about ...

A background with cooking is a must. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces * Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified ...

Cook

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other hot food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Now hiring experienced cooks (2+ years) up to $19/hour + TIPS (+ weekend availability preferred) Pay Range: From $15 - $19 , based on experience + tips Job Summary: We're open late (12AM), which ...

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Now hiring experienced cooks (2+ years) up to $19/hour + TIPS (+ weekend availability preferred) Pay Range: From $15 - $19 , based on experience + tips Job Summary: We're open late (12AM), which ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 42261 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Woodfield Corporate Center The Role at a glance: We are looking to add ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Join Oak Crest Residence Association as a Cook in Elgin, IL, where you'll create delicious meals that bring joy to our residents. Be part of a dedicated team that values quality, creativity, and ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 42261 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Woodfield Corporate Center The Role at a glance: We are looking to add ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook information

See Round Lake, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Round Lake, IL is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $17.31 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 job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Round Lake, IL look for?

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

What cities near Round Lake, IL are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Round Lake, IL with the most Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Round Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,976 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Prep Cook / Line Cook

Emmett's Brewing Company

West Dundee, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Line Cook
Reports
 To Chef
We are looking for an experienced Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a
variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy.
You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food.
With previous experience as a cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to
a friendly and productive team atmosphere. Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler’s
certification.
Responsibilities:
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or
serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old
and new items, and rotating stock
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating the temperature
of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters
  • Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience
  • Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking
  • Respond to guest feedback with appropriate urgency and professionalism
Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a restaurant cook preferred
  • ServeSafe or Food Handler’s certification (or must be willing to attain), A work place sexual harassment certificate
  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to lift 30+ lbs
  • Ability to work standing for 8+ hours