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Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bella Milano

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Bella Milano

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

Illini Country Club

Cook

Springfield, IL

$18 - $25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you will play a crucial role in creating high-quality dishes that exceed our members' expectations. You will prepare and cook a variety of meals with precision and care ...

Sonic

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Soar Restaurants

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Sonic

Cook

Taylorville, IL

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Guernsey Holdings LLC

Cook

Taylorville, IL

$13.25 - $18/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Lincoln Village Healthcare Center

Cook

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Cook Department: Dietary Reports To: Director of Dietary Services FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: Lincoln Village Healthcare Center, Lincoln, IL PAY: $15.50 per hour HOURS: 6:00AM - 2:00PM, every ...

North Mac Schools

Sub Cook

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

North Mac Schools

Sub Cook

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Lincoln Village Healthcare Center

Cook

Lincoln, IL

$15.50/hr

Cook Department: Dietary Reports To: Director of Dietary Services FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: Lincoln Village Healthcare Center, Lincoln, IL PAY: $15.50 per hour HOURS: 6:00AM - 2:00PM, every ...

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

North Mac Schools

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Springfield, IL

Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

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$14

$20

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Springfield, IL is $14.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $16.68 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 is a chef vs. cook?

A cook is a person who prepares and cooks food, often working in kitchens with basic skills and following recipes. A chef is a trained culinary professional who typically has formal education, oversees kitchen operations, and creates menus and recipes. The main difference lies in training, responsibilities, and level of expertise.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

A cook can earn money by preparing meals at home through options like catering, meal prep services, or selling homemade food. These opportunities often require cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes permits or certifications. Income varies based on the scale of the operation and local regulations.

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 highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or specialized culinary professionals in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private establishments. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and can offer salaries significantly above standard line cook roles.

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.

How do I get a job as a cook?

To get a job as a cook, you typically need relevant culinary skills, which can be gained through culinary school, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Employers often look for food safety certifications and a good work ethic, and job opportunities are available in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

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.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? For Cook jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Cook job openings:
Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,856 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Bella Milano

Springfield, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares

about its employees and wants them to succeed.

Bella Milano is accepting applications from highly-energetic, take charge individuals who want an opportunity to utilize their skills while continuing to learn and grow in a thriving upscale, full service restaurant environment! Bella Milano offers a unique, fine casual cuisine in a contemporary yet relaxed atmosphere with many exciting menu selections.

Part time and Full time positions are both available

Primary Responsibilities:

Teamwork: Individuals that are willing to take time to help other's succeed, thrive in our restaurants

Food Quality: maintain highest level of food quality at all times by following Bella Milano recipes and procedures

Sanitation: Ensure your station is clean at all times and able to pass Inspections from Health

Inspectors and Management

Training - always be wanting to learn more and how to improve at other stations in the kitchen

Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking.

Cooking and arranging food per Bella Milano standards and recipes.

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount. A good candidate for this

job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks.

Responsibilities of a Cook:

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

Cooking food using various culinary techniques.

Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Manage food storage stock, and ingredient orders.

Cook Job Requirements:

Must have prior experience as a cook.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

Must know and follow sanitation procedures.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.

Must showcase great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Bella Milano is contemporary Italian with old world flavor. Join us for a beautiful meal. We feature a full bar, private rooms, a patio, and offer catering.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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