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Cooking Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

HELPER COOK

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience with pizza cooking. * Perks: Wil train, no nights or weekends! * Pay Range: $16.50 ... Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ...

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience with pizza cooking. * Perks: Wil train, no nights or weekends! * Pay Range: $16.50 ... Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ...

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience with pizza cooking. * Perks: Wil train, no nights or weekends! * Pay Range: $16.50 ... Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ...

Chartwells K12

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior experience with pizza cooking. * Perks: Wil train, no nights or weekends! * Pay Range: $16.50 ... Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ...

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All JobsCooking Helper JobsCooking Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cooking Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking helper in Chicago, IL is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cooking Helper jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cooking Helper job openings:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,625 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Substitute Cook Helper

Lake County Schools Consortium

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

 
Substitute cook's helper reports to the Head Cook and is responsible for assisting with serving meals, washing student trays after each lunch period, clean up of dining and kitchen areas when lunch hours are completed.  Other duties as needed. 
Physical Requirements:  Able to lift up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and working in hot and cold kitchen conditions.
Starting rate: $15.00/hr
Substitute position does not include benefits









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About Lake County Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lake County Schools Consortium is a notable entity within the educational sector in the US. Based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, the consortium serves as an umbrella organization for a number of schools within Lake County. Its official website 'lake.k12.il.us' provides abundant information on working within various educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to high schools. The Consortium focuses on ensuring that education and learning resources are adequately provided to all institutions, as well as coordinating efforts for optimal utilization of resources between schools.

Industry

Education

Headquarters location

Vernon Hills, IL, US

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