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Cook Jobs in Urbana, IL (NOW HIRING)

Accolade Healthcare of Savoy

Cook

Savoy, IL

$18 - $22/hr

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Priority Life Care

Cook

Monticello, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

COOK: At Priority Life Care we understand that the dining experience is one of the most important factors at a senior community. Cooks prepare, cook, and serve delicious and healthy food. They are ...

New

Addington Place of Monticello

Cook

Monticello, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

COOK: At Priority Life Care we understand that the dining experience is one of the most important factors at a senior community. Cooks prepare, cook, and serve delicious and healthy food. They are ...

HAVEN OF TUSCOLA LLC

Cook

Tuscola, IL

$17.50/hr

Cook - Part-Time PM Shift Haven of Tuscola Experience individualized care at a Haven Healthcare affiliated facility. Our highly skilled clinical and therapy teams are dedicated to delivering ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Champaign, 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

Red Lobster

Cook

Champaign, 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

Champaign, 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

Red Lobster

Cook

Champaign, 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

Red Lobster

Cook

Champaign, 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

Urbana, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/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 ...

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Aramark

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/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 - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/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 ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Urbana, IL

Cook information

See Urbana, IL salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Urbana, IL is $16.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.12 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 cities near Urbana, IL are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Urbana, IL with the most Cook job openings:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Urbana, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,555 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Cook

Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

Champaign, IL • On-site

$18.55 - $19.84/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is seeking a Cook to join our team. Champaign County RPC is a people-focused agency made up of over 100 programs designed to generate possibilities for all within our community. A great deal of planning goes into creating opportunities where people can succeed on their own, and RPC is doing that work. From analysis to policy guidance to offering services to our communities, RPC's people plan for people.
The Cook is responsible for providing and/or preparing nutritional meals and snacks and assisting supervisor in overall management of food services. Cook is responsible for ensuring that food ordering, storage, preparation, and serving is completed in such a way as to meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards, Public Health regulations, and children's daily nutritional standards. Our culture requires that the Cook ensures a supportive and welcoming environment every day and fosters a sense of belonging and safety for staff, families, and children.
Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED
  • One year of experience working under a trained cook
  • Must have an Illinois Department of Public Health Food Sanitation Manager license or achieve certification within 30 days of hire
  • Experience working in an early childhood setting preferred
  • Knowledge and experience meeting the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements preferred
  • Knowledge of Head Start and other agency rules and regulations preferred
  • Must meet all requirements of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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