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Cooker Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Golden Corral

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $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 ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cook: At this location, our cooks e arn $17-$19 / 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

Des Plaines, 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 ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

) Cook - Trulee Evanston Shift Available: Full Time Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook. Love making a difference ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lake Street Staffing

COOKS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

COOKS Are you passionate about cooking from scratch and taking pride in the food you create? A respected Chicago culinary organization is seeking experienced Cooks to join our growing team. This is ...

Rosati's Pizza

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 ...

Chicago Public Schools

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Dog Haus

Be Seen First

Experienced Cooks Needed!

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Rosati's Pizza

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 ...

Rosati's Pizza

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/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 ...

R Salerno Restaurant Group

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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooker JobsCooker Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cooker information

See Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $21.06 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 near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cooker jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cooker job openings:

Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,032 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Cook

Golden Corral

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Our franchise organization, Himalaya Holdings, LLC dba Golden Corral, 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to Golden Corral Corporate.

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