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Cooker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Eden Senior Care

Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.8K/hr

Position: Cook! We are seeking two Cooks for Memory Care: 1 Part‑time Cook (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM) 1 PRN (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM) Schedule: Week 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Week 2: Sunday ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Shiloh, IL · On-site

$16/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 ...

Nexus of Godfrey

Cook

Godfrey, IL

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Job Location: Godfrey, IL About the Role: Nexus of Godfrey is seeking a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team! As a Cook, you will play a vital role in preparing and serving delicious ...

APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN RESTMOR INC

Cook

Morton, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Prepares and cooks a variety of meals for residents and staff utilizing recipes and ingredients provided. Provides oversight over evening dietary staff. Essential Job Duties: * Prepares and cooks a ...

Myerscough Foods

Cook

Mattoon, IL

$16 - $19/hr

Cook Location: Stadium Grill, Mattoon, IL Department: Kitchen Reports to: Kitchen Manager Job Summary: Stadium Grill is seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal ...

Denny's

Cook

Waterloo, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

) Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living PRN Shift Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others?

Golden Corral

Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Glen Carbon, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...

Denny's

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Cook will support the kitchen by preparing ingredients, cooking menu items to specification, and ensuring consistent quality and presentation. This role helps deliver a great ...

Cottages of New Lenox

Cook

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- New Lenox, IL Pay: $19/hr Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $18-$20 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/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 ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/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 ...

Eden Senior Care

Cook

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook (Full-time) * 2 full-time positions available * 6 AM to 2 PM - days vary * 9 AM to 5 PM - days vary * Experience in Senior Care setting is preffered * ServSafe or State Sanitation license is ...

New

Haven of Ridgeview

Cook

Oblong, IL

$16/hr

Cook - Part-time Location: Haven of Ridgeview - Oblong, IL Now Hiring: Part-Time Cook Haven of Ridgeview is seeking a reliable and compassionate Cook to join our team. In this role, you will prepare ...

Nexus of Columbia

Cook

Columbia, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook - Nexus of Columbia, IL At Nexus of Columbia, we are dedicated to serving delicious meals to our guests while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. As a key member of our ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $19-$20 / hour. Be part of the excitement and freshness of a "Scratch Kitchen" We hand-craft everything in our kitchens. We are looking for talented ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

DESCRIPTION Cook - Bring Your Passion for Flavor to Our Kitchen We are looking for skilled and dedicated Cooks to join our kitchen team. Whether you specialize in the line, sauté, grill, or fry ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooker?

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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,567 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Cook

Eden Senior Care

Joliet, IL • On-site

$1.8K/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Vista Senior Living Management is the dedicated senior living division of our organization, focused exclusively on the operation and growth of senior living communities. With more than 30 communities across multiple states, we specialize in Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Living. Our mission is to provide outstanding care rooted in compassion, humility, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our residents. We strive to create communities where residents receive personalized support, families have confidence in their care, and team members are empowered to succeed.

Eden Vista Rock Run is a proud member of the Vista Senior Living Management network, where compassionate care meets exceptional living. With 30 communities spanning across multiple states, Vista Senior Living specializes in Assisted Living and Memory Care services. Our dedicated team ensures a nurturing environment where seniors thrive and find joy in every moment.

Position: Cook!

We are seeking two Cooks for Memory Care:

1 Part‑time Cook (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

1 PRN (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Schedule:

Week 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Week 2: Sunday, Thursday, Friday

Responsibilities

  • Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment
  • Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat, etc.)
  • Cook food with various utensils or grillers
  • Check food while cooking to stir or turn
  • Ensure great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served
  • Keep a sanitized and orderly environment in the kitchen
  • Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
  • Check the quality of ingredients
  • Monitor stock and place orders when there are shortages

Skills

  • Proven experience as a cook
  • Experience in using cutting tools, cookware, and bakeware
  • Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.)
  • Ability to follow all sanitation procedures
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Very good communication skills
  • Excellent physical condition and stamina
  • High school diploma or equivalent; A Diploma from a culinary school will be an advantage

Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour

Experience:

Cooking: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Joliet, IL 60431 (Required)

Work Location: In person


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