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Cooking Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mount Vernon City Schools

Cook Helper

Mount Vernon, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Food Service/Cook Helper Date Posted: 7/28/2026 Location: District 80 school - Location to be determined Date Available: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: 08/02/2026 COOK HELPER Location to be Determines ...

Mount Vernon City Schools

Cook Helper

Mount Vernon, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

COOK HELPER Location to be Determines Start Date August 11, 2026 Schedule Monday through Friday 8 hours per day Salary Pay starts at $16.26 and may go up with expierence Qualifications 1. High School ...

Antioch School District 34

Cook helper

Antioch, IL

$15.26/hr

Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed. * Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence. * Attends meetings and in-services as requested. * Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and ...

Antioch School District 34

Cook helper

Antioch, IL · On-site

$15.26/hr

Help wipe tables in the cafeteria as needed. * Assumes responsibilities of Assistant Cook during their absence. * Attends meetings and in-services as requested. * Supports Teamwork in the kitchen and ...

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Cooking Helper information

What is a cooking helper?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Illinois? For Cooking Helper jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cooking Helper job openings:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Cook Helper

Mount Vernon City Schools

Mount Vernon, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Cook Helper
Date Posted:
7/28/2026
Location:
District 80 school - Location to be determined
Date Available:
08/11/2026
Closing Date:
08/02/2026
COOK HELPER
Location to be Determines
Start Date
August 11, 2026
Schedule
Monday through Friday
8 hours per day
Salary
Pay starts at $16.26 and may go up with expierence
Qualifications
1. High School diploma or GED. Prefer applicants with additional classes in food preparation and presentation.
2. Ability to lift 50 pounds and ability to stand for long periods of time.
3. Prefer applicants who can establish and maintain good rapport with students, staff, and community.
**Projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal grant money must credit the Federal government for the Federal government's portion of the financial support. This citation informs the public that the use of Federal dollars in Mount Vernon City Schools, District 80 meets the Stevens' Amendment requirement. Staff development opportunities, resource purchases and personnel have been funded in whole or in part with Federal dollars.
Attachment(s):
  • Cook Helper

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