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Cooking Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 · 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

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 · 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 ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Lake Forest, IL

$17.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LAKE FOREST ACADEMY - 46120001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Palatine, IL

$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 ...

Sodexo

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 ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Palatine, IL

$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 ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Lake Forest, IL

$17.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LAKE FOREST ACADEMY - 46120001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Lake Forest, IL

$17.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LAKE FOREST ACADEMY - 46120001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LAKE FOREST ACADEMY - 46120001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Palatine, IL

$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 ...

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 (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 (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 (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 ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

Kitchen Helper

doco

Chicago, IL

$19.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helperto join our growingDes Plaines, ILTeam! 

About DO & CO 

We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every banquet floor and in the sky. With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants, Lounges & Hotels, we offer gourmet entertainment all over the world. We operate in 33 locations, 12 countries and 3 Continents, maintaining the highest standard of quality in both our products and services. We refine the classics, develop the unknown and grow constantly – sometimes beyond our own expectations. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Assisting senior team members in running a busy kitchen. 
  • Dealing with deliveries and assisting with stock rotation. 
  • Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. 
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene. 
  • Assist chefs and cooks with basic kitchen tasks, such as preparation of Hot and Cold meals (Halal and/or Non-Halal). 
  • Prepare food by washing, chopping, and dicing vegetables using knife or peeling machine. 
  • Comply with all food safety and hygiene regulations as stated in the food safety management system handbook. 
  • Report problems with the food safety management system to their manager and the hygiene and food safety team

Qualifications:

  • Proactive and self-organization 
  • Ability to manage through a substantial workload. 
  • Capability to work independently and in a team environment. 
  • Ability to complete assigned tasks within the given time to meet strict deadlines. 
  • Ability to accurately monitor wastage. 
  • Ability to work long hours on foot and in environments with varying temperatures.
  • Flexibility to work different shifts (including nights, weekends, and holidays) based on business needs

What We Offer: 

  • Pay rate: $19.35 hourly.
  • Daily Complimentary Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
  • FT employees are eligible for 401K and medical benefits: medical, dental, and vision.
  • An organization dedicated to fostering innovation; in pursuit of cultivating creativity, embracing new ideas and leveraging our impeccable standard for hospitality.  
  • Genuine career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally.  
  • The chance to collaborate and represent a leading force in the luxury global gourmet entertainment industry by attending world-class events.     

Diversity & Inclusion Statement 

DO & CO provides equal employment opportunities. Applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other protected characteristic. 

#ChicagoIND

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