ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooking Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Rush University Medical Center

Sr Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.87 - $26.66/hr

Required Job Qualifications: • High School Diploma preferred. • Three years cooking experience. • Two years general cooking experience in cold food preparation and/or Cook's assistant. • ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Eureka High School has an opening for an Assistant Cook beginning August 2026. Please apply online and contact Mr. James Welton with questions. Mr. James Welton, Principal 309-467-5701 james.welton ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Eureka High School has an opening for an Assistant Cook beginning August 2026. Please apply online and contact Mr. James Welton with questions. Mr. James Welton, Principal 309-467-5701 james.welton ...

Rush University Medical Center

Sr Cook

Chicago, IL

$18.87 - $26.66/hr

Required Job Qualifications: • High School Diploma preferred. • Three years cooking experience. • Two years general cooking experience in cold food preparation and/or Cook's assistant. • ...

Food2You Maplewood Inc

Kitchen Assistant (Cook)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Job Summary: The Kitchen Assistant / Cook supports daily food production operations for the ... Applies proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures * Understands allergen controls (critical ...

Belmont Public Schools

Assistant Head Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Food Service/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 6/3/2026 Location: Belmont High School Date Available: 09/01/2026 2026 / 2027 Openings Assistant Head Cook - Food Service Worker 40 hours per week ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Illinois

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.

Assistant Cook (part time)

Orangeville Community Unified School District 203

Orangeville, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Assistant Cook
Date Posted:
5/22/2024
Location:
District OfficeAssistant Cook (part-time)
This position is 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on student attendance days only.
This candidate will be willing to obtain a sanitation license.

Apply