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Cooking Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Baker's Helper

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

... help grow their careers. Through Rouxbe's self-paced online platform and culinary training ... Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food prep ...

DO & CO

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20/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 ...

doco

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

doco

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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper

Bridgeview, IL

$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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper

Markham, IL

$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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (4)

Elgin, IL

$34/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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (3)

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (3)

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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (4)

Elgin, IL · On-site

$34/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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (2)

Evanston, IL · On-site

$33.39/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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (3)

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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (3)

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/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 ...

Pace Suburban Bus

Mechanic Helper (2)

Evanston, IL · On-site

$33.39/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 ...

Pie Five Pizza

Prep Kitchen Helper

Skokie, IL · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Prepares and cooks pizzas * Assists with preparation of other menu items such as spicy wings, salads, and desserts * Complies with all portion sizes, quality standards, policies, and procedures.

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Evanston After-School Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking

Evanston, IL

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

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 you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?
  • Are you looking for a fun, part-time job?
  • Do you love the magical combination of children and cooking?
  • Are you passionate about introducing kids to new ingredients and exploring new tastes in the kitchen?
  • Do you have a love for food and want to lead cooking classes for children using our kid-tested and approved recipes?

If so, please read on and consider joining us in the kitchen!

This position pays a great starting wage of $60.00 per class + food reimbursement. Please note: Due to locations and times, you will likely teach just 1 afterschool class per day. Additional prep and wrap up time bookend the hour long class! Choose which days work best for you. School assignments will be as close to your home/work as possible.

Our instructors bring the kitchen to the kids with our cooking kit that contains all the necessary equipment and tools. SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® provides paid hands-on training and individualized support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Availability at least 2 days a week to teach (Classes are Monday - Friday and take place between 2-5pm; most classes are between 3:00 - 4:30pm! Some availability between 3:00 - 4:30pm will be strongly preferred!!)
  • Commitment to teaching weekly for full sessions (ranging from 6-12 weeks)
  • Experience working with groups of kids of varying ages
  • Ability to manage and engage a group of 8-14 children with diverse backgrounds and academic levels
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Ability to communicate with our team in a timely manner
  • Punctual and reliable
  • No professional cooking experience required
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (can obtain before teaching)

Let's TACO-bout "a day in the life" of an After School Children's Cooking Instructor!

As a part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor, you are the face of our company, getting to interact with children between the ages of 3-12, parents, and school staff each week. You work on-site at different locations in your area, leading hour-long healthy and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students.

Each week, you create creative recipes and teach children about new ingredients and healthy foods from all over the world in an engaging and hands-on way. Your organizational skills come into play as you review weekly class curricula and prepare for instruction which includes shopping independently for fresh ingredients. You teach basic kitchen skills including washing, cutting, grating, stirring, measuring, nutrition, and more as well as the history, geography, and language behind each recipe.

Kids learn in a dynamic hands-on environment while you provide the direction and encouragement to create a new recipe each class. Teach kids healthy food habits that will nourish their bodies and minds for a lifetime.

Our chefs are ONE in a MELON! Meet some of them in this video: https://vimeo.com/492139079

ABOUT STICKY FINGERS COOKING®

Our dedicated, talented and creative team has been busy cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity for thousands of children in online classes, schools, camps, and special events since 2008.

We offer quality enrichment cooking classes before, during, and after school, as well as birthday parties, private cooking classes, and camps for children 3-12 years of age. Sticky Fingers Cooking® also operates in select cities across the country!

Our philosophy is that kids are only impacted if we have great instructors who are passionate about what they do. We attract and retain such amazing instructors by offering a friendly schedule, all the needed equipment, and tools, paid training, individualized support, and FUN!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

If you feel that you would be a GRATE fit, please fill out our application. We look forward to meeting you!


Upon hire, employees will be required to pass a fingerprint background check.

Apply