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Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

Apply Early

Cook

Lincoln, 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 ...

Cook

Lincoln, 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 ...

Cook - Full-Time

Sherman, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

We are currently seeking a Cook to provide timely preparation of quality food for residents, guests, family members and staff according to established facility policies and procedures, using safe ...

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences, one plate at a time. With precision, urgency, and pride, you will help turn our high standards into ...

Hy-Chi Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Hy-Chi Department Cook Department: Hy-Chi FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function : As an Hy-Chi Department Cook, this position will be responsible for preparing various foods for the Hy-Chi department.

Hy-Chi Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Hy-Chi Department Cook Department: Hy-Chi FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function : As an Hy-Chi Department Cook, this position will be responsible for preparing various foods for the Hy-Chi department.

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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.
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 cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Cook job openings:
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

$15 - $17/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Cracker Barrel rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,075 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. Whether you’re greeting guests, rolling out biscuits, or keeping things humming behind the scenes, you make the moments that matter, both big and small. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here...we’re all in good company.   

What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment

Great times start in the kitchen, and it takes a team to bring the experience together. 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 pancakes for breakfast or cooking breakfast for dinner, every shift is a chance to work with heart, hustle, and a team that’s got your back.
So if you’re someone who….

  • Takes pride in a job well done

  • Works well as part of a team

  • Learns quickly and keeps up in a fast-paced kitchen

  • Can stay focused and handle multiple tasks

  • Brings a positive, can-do spirit to every shift

… come on in, we’ve been expecting you!
No restaurant experience? No worries. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. 

Focus on You

We're all about making sure you're taken care of too. Here's what's in it for you:

  • Good Work Deserves Good Pay: Competitive pay every week | Same day pay access 

  • Support That Goes Beyond the Clock: Health insurance eligibility on day 1 – Full and Part-time employees | Vacation time | Employee assistance program (EAP)

  • Grow and Thrive Your Way: Growth and development opportunities begin Day 1 with our industry-leading PAR training program | 401k plan with company matching contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program

  • Culture of Belonging: Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive | Recognition programs and employee events that bring us together

  • More Perks, Just Because: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items | Exclusive Biscuit Perks like discounts on home, travel, cell phones, and more! 

Pay Range: $15.00 - $17.00

A Little About Us

Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal.

See for yourself. Apply now.

Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.


What Cracker Barrel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cracker Barrel logo

About Cracker Barrel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Quite simple, really. It starts with quality food served with care. Offering warm welcomes and friendly service. It takes a dedication to pleasing people and treating our guests and staff like family. Maybe that’s why, for more than 50 years, millions of folks have trusted Cracker Barrel as a home-away-from-home where they can get a warm, comforting meal. It’s a trust we take seriously and couldn’t be more grateful for. And it’s a trust we’ve earned as a homegrown business dedicated to treating our guests to the very best – delicious, hand-prepared fare that’s sourced with love and served with a smile.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lebanon, TN, US

Year founded

1969