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Cooker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL

$13 - $16/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL

$14 - $15/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Dairy Queen

Cook

Belleville, IL

$15/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Cook

Lisle, IL

$17 - $18.50/hr

Cook Location: Lisle, IL, 60532Job Summary: We are looking for a skilled Cook to prepare delicious meals according to menu. You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and ...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Danville, IL

$15/hr

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken - Immediate Cook Position Are you a highly skilled and creative cook who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Do you take pride in delivering delicious dishes that ...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Belleville, IL · On-site

$14/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

Paisans Pizzeria

COOK

Lisle, IL · On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They ...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Cook

Belleville, IL

$14/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

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 ...

HIA Restaurant Partners LLC

Cook

North Aurora, IL

$17/hr

As a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or breakfast cook, you'll be the one making sure plates hit the table hot, fresh, and on time. This isn't a station gig. You'll be cooking whole meals ...

Denny's

Cook

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

As a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or breakfast cook, you'll be the one making sure plates hit the table hot, fresh, and on time. This isn't a station gig. You'll be cooking whole meals ...

Bella Milano

Cook

O Fallon, IL

$16 - $19/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 ...

RREMC Restaurants

Cook

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

As a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or breakfast cook, you'll be the one making sure plates hit the table hot, fresh, and on time. This isn't a station gig. You'll be cooking whole meals ...

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

O Fallon, IL

$16 - $19/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 ...

Chicago Public Schools

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS : Under supervision, prepares foods using a variety of cooking methods at a Chicago Public Schools' facility; and performs related duties as required. ESSENTIAL ...

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All JobsCooker JobsCooker Jobs in Illinois

Cooker information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$18

$20

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Illinois is $18.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooker (Chef or Cook), you need a solid understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through culinary school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality dishes, and a safe dining environment for customers.

What is the difference between Cooker vs Chef?

AspectCookerChef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes certifications in food safetyFormal culinary education or extensive experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing and cooking food according to recipesOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, supervising cooks

The main difference between a Cooker and a Chef lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cooker typically focuses on preparing and cooking food, often with basic skills and certifications. A Chef, on the other hand, has advanced culinary training, oversees kitchen operations, and is responsible for menu development. While both work in similar environments, the Chef's role is more managerial and creative, whereas the Cooker primarily executes cooking tasks.

What are some common challenges a professional cooker faces in a high-volume kitchen, and how can they be managed?

In a high-volume kitchen, cookers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling pressure during peak service hours. To manage these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with kitchen staff, and stay calm under pressure. Many successful cookers also rely on prep work and mise en place to streamline service and ensure a smooth workflow. Building good relationships with team members helps foster a supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together.

What does a cooker do?

A cooker, often referred to as a cook or chef, is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring and mixing ingredients, monitoring food while it cooks, and ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and presentation. Cookers also maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to food safety standards. Depending on the workplace, their responsibilities may range from simple food preparation to creating complex dishes.
What are popular job titles related to Cooker jobs in Illinois? For Cooker jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooker jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cooker job openings:
Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,567 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Cooker Operator - 3rd shift

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Louisville, IL • On-site

$27.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Darling Ingredients rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 434 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Summary
The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of an evaporator system. They must monitor pumps, grinders and associated equipment to ensure quality assurance.
Shift:
Night Shift 11:00pm - 9am Mon - Thursday and Friday and Saturdays as required
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
  • Always conduct yourself in a safe and controlled manner
  • Blow grease lines as required
  • Clean up to include but not limited to shoveling the floor, hosing floors and machinery down, using wheelbarrows and PIT's.
  • Operate the cooking process within selected parameters
  • Document plant operations per our GMP program
  • Notify management of any issues or maintenance problems
  • Assist in maintenance as needed
  • Attendance at all safety meetings required
  • All other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment preferred.
  • High School diploma or GED preferred
  • Works well with others in a team environment.
  • Dependable; reliable; ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.

Physical Demands
  • Constantly required to walk, stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch.
  • Must be able to stand for 8 hours and work 12 hour shifts occasionally
  • Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Regularly required reach with hands and arms

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser:

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