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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Children's Home and Aid

Cook's Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Cook's Assistant is a critical member of our El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team ... One year minimum of professional high volume cooking experience required. * Demonstrated ...

Children's Home & Aid

Cook's Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Cook's Assistant is a critical member of our El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team ... One year minimum of professional high volume cooking experience required. * Demonstrated ...

COMMUNITY EDUCATION NETWORK

Cook Assistant

Chicago, IL

$38K - $44K/mo

Working with a team Cooks, the Cook Assistant helps prepare and serve nutritious meals while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. The ideal candidate is committed to food ...

All Team Staffing

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Line Cook

Dundee, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours * Memorize, record, and comprehend menu items, abbreviations, plate ...

Homewood School District #153

Assistant Cook

Homewood, IL · On-site

$16.40/hr

Position Type: Food Service/Assistant Cook/Server Date Posted: 8/5/2026 Location: Willow School Date Available: 08/17/2026 Closing Date: when filled Monday - Friday 7:00am - 2:00pm when school is in ...

Antioch School District 34

Assistant Cook

Antioch, IL · On-site

$15.35/hr

Maintains and follows the instructions given by the Head Cook to assist in the preparing and serving of daily school lunches. * Assumes responsibilities of the Head Cook during their absence.

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Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook

North Boone Community Unit School District 200

Poplar Grove, IL • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Substitute/Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook
Date Posted:
3/6/2026
Location:
Multiple Buildings
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
When Filled
Description:
Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook
Job Summary:
  • Assist in the preparation of food portions and prepare cafeteria counter
  • Serve students and staff from the cafeteria counter
  • Perform the cleaning of all kitchen equipment and the washing and sterilizing of all dishes, silverware and utensils

Qualifications:
  1. High school diploma
  2. Knowledgeable of safety precautions regarding blood borne pathogens
  3. Food Certification/sanitation certificate required

Reports to:
Food Service Director
Salary:
$15.50/hour
There are no benefits for substitute positions
Application Procedure:
Apply Online

Apply