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Cooking Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Chopping Block

$24 - $26/hr

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago's premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors and Class Assistants. Chef Instructors are leaders in ...

The Chopping Block

Chef instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago's premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors and Class Assistants. Chef Instructors are leaders in ...

The Chopping Block

Culinary Instructor

Chicago, IL

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago's premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors. Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by ...

The Chopping Block

Culinary Instructor

Chicago, IL

$20 - $26/hr

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago's premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors. Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by ...

Posted today

Apple Centra

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Danville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We're also looking for Jefe / Jefa who have back of house preparation / food prep ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

... preparation, cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer. This is not intended to be all-inclusive. As a SPB ...

Applebee's

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Danville, IL

$15.25 - $19/hr

... house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We're also looking for Jefe / Jefa who have back of house preparation / food prep ...

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

... preparation, cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer. This is not intended to be all-inclusive. As a SPB ...

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All JobsCooking Chef JobsCooking Chef Jobs in Illinois

Cooking Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do cooking chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking chef in Illinois is $23.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cooking chef do?

A Cooking Chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting meals in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They often design menus, select ingredients, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Chefs may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their role is essential in delivering delicious, visually appealing dishes that satisfy customers. Cooking Chefs often work in fast-paced settings and need strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a deep understanding of food safety, and often a culinary arts degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Creativity, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges cooking chefs face when managing a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple orders during peak hours, maintaining food quality under pressure, and managing a diverse kitchen team. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges. Many chefs implement systems for prep work, delegate tasks efficiently, and foster a collaborative environment to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent quality.

What is the difference between Cooking Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCooking ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking certification or culinary degree often preferredBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often overseeing kitchen operationsKitchen station, focused on specific dishes
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, food service establishments
Job FocusMenu planning, supervising staff, quality controlPreparing dishes according to recipes and standards

The Cooking Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising kitchen staff and managing menus, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but the Cooking Chef often requires more experience and culinary education.

Can I be a cooking chef with no experience?

Becoming a cooking chef typically requires some culinary skills and knowledge, but many entry-level positions are available for those without formal experience. Gaining basic cooking skills, completing culinary courses, or starting as a kitchen assistant can help build the necessary experience to advance in a chef role.

Is 25 too late to become a cooking chef?

Becoming a cooking chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary field depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What type of cooking chef gets paid the most?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among cooking chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, extensive experience, and specialized skills, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooking Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cooking Chef job openings:

Cooking Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,638 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Chef instructor

The Chopping Block

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

If you have a passion for food, cooking and inspiring the same in others, Chicago’s premiere recreational school is now hiring Chef Instructors and Class Assistants.

Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by instructing our students with the guidance of recipes, always focusing on techniques and the “whys” behind cooking. Chef Instructors also direct students into the right classes and advise on kitchen equipment they need to get cooking at home. You’ll even select the perfect wine to complement dinner! Our Class Assistants have a unique opportunity to work with our highly trained chefs to educate our students about the world of cooking and learn new culinary techniques themselves.

Please note we require all Chef Instructors to have at least four years of experience cooking in restaurants. Our Class Assistants do not require formal culinary education, yet an ability to demonstrate relevant hands-on industry (or equivalent) experience is essential to be considered for this role. High energy and enthusiasm are a must for either position!

This position requires evening and weekend work at The Chopping Block Lincoln Square.

If you think you have the experience to drive our mission to get people to cook, share it with us.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $24 - $26 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No

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