ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Yona Solutions

Cook

Virden, IL

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Yona is looking for a cook to join the team! Benefits of Yona • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurance • Employer paid life insurance • 401(k) plan • Competitive paid time off • ...

Apply Early

Yona Solutions

Cook

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Yona is looking for a cook to join the team! Benefits of Yona • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurance • Employer paid life insurance • 401(k) plan • Competitive paid time off • ...

Apply Early

Yona Solutions

Cook

Taylorville, IL

$13.25 - $18/hr

Yona is looking for a cook to join the team! Benefits of Yona • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurance • Employer paid life insurance • 401(k) plan • Competitive paid time off • ...

Yona Solutions

Cook

Virden, IL

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Yona is looking for a cook to join the team! Benefits of Yona • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurance • Employer paid life insurance • 401(k) plan • Competitive paid time off • ...

The Dublin Pub

GRILL COOK

Springfield, IL

$16 - $18/hr

The Dublin Pub is hiring a highly skilled GRILL COOK! Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes in a loving environment? The Dublin Pub is a local family-owned Irish Pub known for its Pony ...

Apply Early

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $25/hr

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: * Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Lincoln, IL

$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 ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $25/hr

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: * Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: * Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Springfield, IL

$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 ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $25/hr

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: * Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $25/hr

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: Setting up and stocking prep and line stations Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils ...

Cedarhurst Senior Living

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Cook About Cedarhurst: Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services.

Cedarhurst of Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL

$19/hr

Cook About Cedarhurst: Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services.

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Springfield, 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Springfield, IL

Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$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 - Springfield

Cook - Springfield

Family Guidance Centers, Inc.

Springfield, IL

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance use disorder, as well as an array of other related problems. Since 1969, FGC's comprehensive programming has educated and guided individuals toward their full potential as productive members within their own families and our society.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals in a residential treatment center, ensuring all food safety and sanitation standards are met. This role requires maintaining a safe, clean kitchen environment and cooking meals for a large number of residents while adhering to temperature regulations and dietary guidelines. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of Family Guidance Centers, Inc.

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with established menus and dietary requirements.

• Ensure all food is temperature-regulated, cooked, and stored according to safety standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and cafeteria environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.

• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Monitor food inventory, inform Lead Cook of items needed for ordering supplies, and minimize waste.

• Collaborate with dietary staff to ensure meal schedules are met and on time.

• Collaborate with Lead Cook on menu alterations and preparations.

Schedule: Flexible availability to accommodate a rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays. Hours may vary depending upon agency needs. Must work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Start Date: ASAP

Pay Rate:$20 - $21 based on experience.

Work Location: 120 N. 11th St., Springfield, IL

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. is a Drug Free Environment (including THC and/or CBD) and an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Education and/or Experience: At least two years of institutional food service experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Illinois Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training. required


Benefits:

Our organization values each employee and works to provide a comprehensive benefit package (health, dental, vision, and life insurance), 401k pension plans, vacation time, sick time, and personal days. We also offer paid holidays, free parking at designated locations, opportunities for advancement, and more.

Apply