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Cooker Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Rt 47 Wings & Tavern

Cook

Sugar Grove, IL

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 ...

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

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

The Retro Grill

cook

Chicago, IL

$18/hr

Join Our Team as a Cook at The Retro Grill! Are you passionate about creating delicious meals and working in a vibrant kitchen environment? The Retro Grill, located in the heart of Chicago, IL, is ...

New

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 ...

Nexus of Geneva

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Bridge Point

Cook Positions

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook Positions - Position Summary We are seeking dependable, experienced cooks to join our culinary team. We are hiring for Banquet Cooks, Lounge Cooks, and Prep Cooks . Candidates should be ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16/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 Elgin, IL

Cooker information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$15

$18

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Elgin, IL is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $20.19 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 Elgin, IL are hiring for Cooker jobs?

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

Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,342 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Cook

Rosati's Pizza

Vernon Hills, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

JOB 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 station, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality meals and unforgettable dining experiences. If you have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to have you on board.


Why You’ll Love Working With Us:
  • Competitive pay
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle
  • Career growth opportunities within the company
  • A supportive, team-oriented work environment
  • Employee discounts and perks


What You’ll Do:
  • Prepare fresh ingredients and follow standardized recipes to maintain quality and consistency
  • Cook and plate dishes according to restaurant standards and ticket times
  • Use proper portioning techniques and ensure food safety compliance at all times
  • Keep your station clean and organized, following sanitation and health guidelines
  • Work as part of a cohesive kitchen team, communicating effectively with fellow cooks and servers
  • Maintain a sense of urgency while handling multiple orders in a fast-paced environment


What We’re Looking For:
  • Previous experience as a cook in a restaurant setting is preferred, but we’re willing to train passionate individuals
  • Ability to read and follow recipes with precision
  • Strong multitasking skills and a focus on efficiency
  • A team player who takes pride in delivering high-quality food
  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed


If you’re passionate about cooking and creating delicious food, apply today and become a key part of our kitchen team!


REQUIREMENTS

    ABOUT THE COMPANY