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Cooker Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Elevate Care Waukegan

Cook

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cook - Elevate Care! Elevate Care is looking for a dedicated Cook to join our culinary team! If you have a passion for preparing delicious and nutritious meals that make a difference in the lives of ...

Wingstop

Cook

Portage, IN

$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 ...

Algonquin Commons Co

Line Cook Prep Cook

Algonquin, IL

$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 ...

Emmett's Brewing Company

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Portage, IN · 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 ...

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 ...

Nexus of Geneva

Cook

Geneva, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Pearl of Crystal Lake

Cook

Crystal Lake, IL

$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 ...

Algonquin Commons Co

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 ...

HIA Restaurant Partners LLC

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 ...

Gyu-Kaku

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 ...

RREMC Restaurants

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 ...

RREMC Restaurants

Cook - All Shifts

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$118/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 ...

Denny's

Cook - All Shifts

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$118/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 ...

Nexus of Westmont

Cook

Westmont, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Experienced Cook - Join our Team at Nexus of Westmont! We are seeking a skilled Cook to join our team at Nexus of Westmont, a premier healthcare organization dedicated to delivering exceptional ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Calumet City, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Sonic

Cook

Calumet City, IL

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Sonic

Cook

Cicero, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Sonic

Cook

Country Club Hills, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

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Showing results 41-60

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

Elevate Care Waukegan

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Cook – Elevate Care!

Elevate Care is looking for a dedicated Cook to join our culinary team! If you have a passion for preparing delicious and nutritious meals that make a difference in the lives of residents, we want you to be a part of our team. As a Cook at Elevate Care, you'll play an essential role in delivering high-quality meals and ensuring the well-being of our residents.

Why Join Elevate Care?

Competitive Pay & Benefits – Health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
Career Growth Opportunities – Expand your culinary skills and grow within the healthcare field.
Supportive Work Environment – Work with a dedicated team that values your contributions.
Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings when you need them.
Flexible Scheduling – Full-Time, Part-Time, and PRN positions available.

Your Responsibilities:

Prepare & Cook Meals – Follow recipes and guidelines to prepare balanced and appetizing meals for residents.
Ensure Food Quality & Safety – Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and safety in compliance with health regulations.
Coordinate with Dietary Team – Work with dietitians and the food service team to meet residents' dietary requirements and preferences.
Maintain Cleanliness & Organization – Ensure the kitchen is clean, organized, and meets all sanitation standards.
Monitor Food Supplies – Keep track of food inventory, order supplies as needed, and minimize waste.
Assist with Special Diets – Prepare meals based on special dietary needs, including low-sodium, low-sugar, and other customized diets.

Qualifications:

Previous Cooking Experience (Preferred in healthcare or institutional settings).
Knowledge of Food Safety & Sanitation Standards.
Strong Communication & Teamwork Skills.
Ability to Follow Recipes & Meal Plans.
Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment.
A Compassionate, Resident-Focused Approach to Food Service.

If you have a passion for cooking and making a positive impact on residents' lives, apply today to join Elevate Care as a Cook!

Elevate Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.