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 ...
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 ...
Cook helper
$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 ...
Cook helper
$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 ...
Children's Cooking Instructor
Evanston, IL · On-site
$30/hr
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
Quick apply
Children's Cooking Instructor
Evanston, IL · On-site
$30/hr
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
After-School Children's Cooking Instructor
Evanston, IL · On-site
$60/hr
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
After-School Children's Cooking Instructor
Evanston, IL · On-site
$60/hr
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking ® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids ® ! * Are ...
New
Kitchen Helper
Des Plaines, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Kitchen Helper
Des Plaines, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Kitchen Helper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Kitchen Helper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Kitchen Helper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Kitchen Helper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$19.35/hr
We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...
Mechanic Helper
Elgin, IL · On-site
$33.10/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Elgin, IL · On-site
$33.10/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Bridgeview, IL · On-site
$31.27/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Bridgeview, IL · On-site
$31.27/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Waukegan, IL · On-site
$33.49/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Waukegan, IL · On-site
$33.49/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Bridgeview, IL · On-site
$31.27/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Bridgeview, IL · On-site
$31.27/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
$33.10/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
$33.10/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Markham, IL · On-site
$32.52/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Markham, IL · On-site
$32.52/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
$16.75 - $21/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
$16.75 - $21/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Markham, IL · On-site
$32.52/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Markham, IL · On-site
$32.52/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Waukegan, IL · On-site
$16.75 - $21/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Mechanic Helper
Waukegan, IL · On-site
$16.75 - $21/hr
... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...
Food Prep Helper
Palatine, IL · On-site
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Food Prep Helper
Palatine, IL · On-site
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Food Prep Helper
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Food Prep Helper
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Food Prep Helper
Palatine, IL · On-site
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Food Prep Helper
Palatine, IL · On-site
$17 - $18/hr
Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...
Cooking Helper information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$9.66 - $10.56
2% of jobs
$10.56 - $11.46
0% of jobs
$11.46 - $12.36
1% of jobs
$12.36 - $13.26
5% of jobs
$13.26 - $14.16
14% of jobs
$14.29 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.16 - $15.06
19% of jobs
The median wage is $15.36 / hr.
$15.06 - $15.96
26% of jobs
$16.36 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$15.96 - $16.86
18% of jobs
$16.86 - $17.76
7% of jobs
$17.76 - $18.66
3% of jobs
$18.66 - $19.56
4% of jobs
$9
$15
$19
How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 17, 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 are Cooking Helpers?
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 a cook's helper called?
A cook's helper is often called a kitchen assistant or food prep worker. They assist chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and supporting cooking tasks, often working under supervision in a restaurant or food service environment.
How to become a kitchen helper?
To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are beneficial. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions can improve chances of employment.
What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?
| Aspect | Cooking Helper | Kitchen Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | None typically required, on-the-job training common | None typically required, on-the-job training common |
| Work Environment | Commercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services | Commercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Commonly used in hospitality and food service industries | Commonly used in hospitality and food service industries |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasks | Supporting 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 does a kitchen helper do?
A kitchen helper assists with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing in a kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, chop ingredients, and support cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations, often working under supervision and following safety standards.
How much is the salary of a kitchen helper?
The salary of a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and establishment. Some positions may offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement based on skills and performance.
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:
Job description
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
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.