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Cooker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Golden Corral - Effingham/Springfield IL

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Timber Point Healthcare Center

Cook

Camp Point, IL

$17/hr

Our cooks are essential to the facility's daily operation. Our residents enjoy a restaurant style dining service. It is the responsibility of our Cook's to prepare and present healthy, delicious ...

Nexus of Godfrey

Cook

Godfrey, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Title : Cook Employment type : Hourly : The Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, the Kitchen team ...

Charter Senior Living of Hazel Crest

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

Denny's

Cook

Tuscola, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Collinsville, 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

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 ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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

Litchfield, IL · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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 ...

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Join the Pearl of Fox River Valley team as a talented Cook in Elgin, IL! Our mission is to provide exceptional care and delicious meals to our residents and guests. As a Cook with our team, you ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

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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 Aug 13, 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?

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 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 82% Full Time, 17% 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

Golden Corral - Effingham/Springfield IL

Effingham, IL • On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Our franchise organization, Golden Corral - Effingham/Springfield IL, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!   
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 specifications.
Food Production:
  • Prepares Hot Choice Buffet products, including Carving and Display Cooking products, according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.
  • Grills all items according to Golden Corral standards to ensure quality.
  • Ensures that every fried product is always fresh and hot.
  • If the Buffet Attendant is unavailable, the Cook restocks the items at the Display Cooking Station.
  • If the Carver is unavailable, assists guests with carved meat options.
  • Complete use and following of the buffet production system to insure quality and shelf life compliance.
Operational Excellence:
  • Maintains the correct temperature of all products during cooking, holding and serving.
  • Uses the Hot Choice Buffet Production Guide and the Display Cooking Hot Cook Production Guide to maintain an inventory of all hot cook products.
  • Conducts opening and closing administrative procedures.
  • Properly maintains equipment according to the Equipment Maintenance manual.
  • Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO).
  • Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift.
Cleanliness:
  • Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes for cleanliness before using them.
  • Performs duty roster and ensures cleanliness, service, and quality standards are met. .
  • Follows local health department laws.
  • Keeps Char Grill clean and scraped to ensure product quality and sanitation.  
Guest Service:
  • Ensures that Hot Choice Buffet products, including Display Cooking products, are always hot and fresh for the guests.
  • Knows and follows position responsibilities as they relate to just-in-time delivery.
  • Is friendly and courteous to guests and assists them with the products.
  • Maintains professional communication at all times.
Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral. Upon completion of your online application, you may be directed to complete an additional online questionnaire that is specific to the position in which you are applying.
The job opening listed on this page has been posted by an independent franchisee of Golden Corral Corporation. Golden Corral Corporation does not hire or employ any individuals at this franchise location. The franchisee will make all decisions with respect to applications for the position listed on this page. The name of the franchisee appears in this job posting. All questions concerning this job opportunity should be directed to the franchisee.