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Cooking Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.

Pie Five Pizza

Prep Kitchen Helper

Oak Brook, 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.

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

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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 22, 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.

Mechanic Helper (2)

Pace Suburban Bus

Evanston, IL • On-site

$33.39/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description


Job Description:
Under the direction of the Superintendent of Maintenance, or designate, the Mechanic Helper is responsible for performing preventive maintenance inspections and general repairs on all Company vehicles and equipment, but not limited to:
  1. Making all types of service calls.
  2. Performing shift duties as needed.
  3. Completing all required documents and accounting for all materials used in accordance with work order systems.
  4. Performing other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications
Age:
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Education:
High school diploma or equivalency.
Experience:
Must have at least one (1) year previous experience in diesel and gasoline vehicle repair and/or relevant technical school training.
Must have a good work history and safe driving record of three (3) years.
Certifications:
Must attend Pace's Mechanic Training Program and pass examination for position.
Must have or obtain within 60 days of being hired, a valid "B" Commercial Driver's license with air brake endorsements
Proficiencies:
Must have or purchase a good starter set of hand tools sufficient for performing the duties of the position.
Must be able to operate all company equipment and have knowledge of the service area
Physical Requirements:
Must be capable of lifting 75 pounds to waist height, maintaining and carrying that weight for a minimum of ten feet.
This is a safety sensitive position.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a garage setting with exposure to loud noises and noxious odors, and outdoors with exposure to inclement weather. The performance of these duties may be required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This position is not eligible for hybrid schedule or telecommuting.
Salary:
$33.39/hr
This is a bargained for position (Union) subject to the terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
BENENFITS SUMMARY
About Us
Pace, the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority ("Pace"), was established to aid and assist public transportation in the six-county northeastern Illinois area consisting of 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 manner that will not discriminate against any person because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or civil union status, citizenship status, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, order of protection status, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic defined under applicable law.
Thank you for your interest in Pace. If you are having difficulty completing this application or require other assistance, please contact Devlin Collins at devlin.collins@pacebus.com.

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