1

Cooker Jobs in Carol Stream, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Main Responsibilities of a Cook: ● Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. ● Cooking and arranging food. We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a ...

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

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 station, you'll ...

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous ...

Cook

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Sugar Grove, IL

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Immediate Opening for a Highly Skilled Cook Are you passionate about working in a fun, loving kitchen where bold flavors and teamwork come first? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment that values ...

A background with cooking is a must. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces * Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified ...

Prep Cook / Line Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook Reports To Chef We are looking for an experienced Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about ...

Cook

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Geneva, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook Job Summary The Nexus of Geneva is seeking a skilled Cook to join our culinary team! As a key member of our kitchen staff, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes ...

Cook

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Cook As a valued member of our culinary team at Pearl of Crystal Lake, we are seeking a skilled Cook to join our family of dedicated healthcare professionals. If you are energetic, innovative, and ...

Line Cook Prep Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

A background with cooking is a must. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces * Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified ...

Denny's Cooks

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 ...

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 ...

Denny's Cooks

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 and ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooker information

See Carol Stream, IL salary details

$16

$19

$22

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Carol Stream, IL is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $21.15 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 near Carol Stream, IL are hiring for Cooker jobs?

Cities near Carol Stream, IL with the most Cooker job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Carol Stream, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,165 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Now Hiring Part-Time

We are looking for Cooks to join our awesome team.

Competitive pay based on experience, pay range: $17-$20 an hour

Key Accountabilities

Station Set Up, Prepping Food, Cooking, Clean Up, Stocking

Position Summary:

The Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and plating menu items at their assigned station while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. This role requires teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to food safety standards to ensure high-quality service to our clients.

Essential Duties

  • Prepare the assigned station, as directed, including chopping vegetables, butchering meat, and preparing sauces.
  • Assist with preparation for other stations or special events as needed.
  • Coordinate with other cooks to ensure food is prepared in the correct order, at the proper temperature, and ready for service.
  • Follow all recipes, portion guidelines, and presentation standards.
  • Clean and sanitize your station at the end of service.
  • Assist other team members with cleaning tasks as needed.
  • Dispose of garbage and clean utensils, pots, pans, and cooking surfaces.
  • Handle leftover food properly by disposing of it, returning it to inventory, or storing it for future use.
  • Unload deliveries and stock pantries, walk-in refrigerators, or other inventory areas.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records and report discrepancies to the Executive Chef.
  • Support kitchen operations or other related duties as directed by the Executive Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
  • Adhere to all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations.
  • Demonstrate flexibility to assist across multiple stations and events.

Performance Standards

  • Cook's activities are expected to be carried out with direct supervision.
  • Must be able to multitask, processing several events simultaneously
  • Ability to work well with internal participants is essential
  • Work efficiently to meet high demand while maintaining quality and accuracy.
  • Must be able to follow established rules.
  • Ability to handle basic issues