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Cooking Job Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Denny's

Cook

Tuscola, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Food Preparation & Cooking * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications. * Ensure food quality, portion accuracy ...

Accolade Healthcare of Savoy

Cook

Savoy, IL

$18 - $22/hr

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells

Cook

Paxton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

AHC DIETARY COOK About Us At Accolade Healthcare, we put an emphasis on the satisfaction of our team members, understanding that a foundation built on quality patient care starts with the people ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Nights/Weekends

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Nights/Weekends

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Nights/Weekends

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Nights/Weekends

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

HAVEN OF TUSCOLA LLC

Cook

Tuscola, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Cook - Part-Time PM Shift Haven of Tuscola Experience individualized care at a Haven Healthcare affiliated facility. Our highly skilled clinical and therapy teams are dedicated to delivering ...

MAXBY HOSPITALITY INC

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Preparing ingredients for cooking by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, etc. * Operating equipment following safety standards. * Baking, grilling, steaming and broiling meats, vegetables ...

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Preparing ingredients for cooking by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, etc. * Operating equipment following safety standards. * Baking, grilling, steaming and broiling meats, vegetables ...

Biaggi's Italian Restaurants

Cook (84)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Preparing ingredients for cooking by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, etc. * Operating equipment following safety standards. * Baking, grilling, steaming and broiling meats, vegetables ...

Aramark

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Compensation Data COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $15.50 to $17.00. If both numbers ...

Aramark

Cook - Illini Tower

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Compensation Data COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $15.50 to $17.00. If both numbers ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

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All JobsCooking Job JobsCooking Job Jobs in Champaign, IL

Cooking Job information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Champaign, IL is $17.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a cooking job, and why are they important?

To thrive in a cooking job, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What is the difference between Cooking Job vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCooking JobFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsNone required, culinary training preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood processing plants, kitchens, cafeterias
Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceUsed in food manufacturing and institutional settings
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes

Cooking jobs primarily involve preparing and cooking meals in restaurants or catering settings, often requiring culinary skills and training. Food preparation workers focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, typically in food manufacturing or institutional environments. While both roles involve food handling, cooking jobs emphasize culinary techniques, whereas food prep roles concentrate on ingredient preparation.

What is a cooking job?

Cooking jobs involve preparing, cooking, and presenting food in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and private homes. People in these roles may work as chefs, cooks, line cooks, or kitchen assistants, and are responsible for following recipes, ensuring food safety, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Cooking jobs often require creativity, efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during busy meal times. Depending on the position, formal culinary training or on-the-job experience may be necessary.

What are some common challenges faced by cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in busy kitchens often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during rush periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling multiple orders simultaneously. Strong communication with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff is crucial for smooth service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common, requiring flexibility and a calm demeanor under pressure.
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Job jobs in Champaign, IL? For Cooking Job jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Cooking Job jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Cooking Job job openings:
Cooking Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,634 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Cook

Denny's

Tuscola, IL • On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Denny's rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 258 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 87 rated restaurants

Job description

Listed wages are based on company-wide ranges. Actual earnings will vary based on factors such as: restaurant brand, experience, education, geography, applicable minimum wage, unit volume(s), hours worked & potential overtime pay.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
  • Ensure food quality, portion accuracy, temperature, and presentation meet brand standards.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products.

Kitchen Operations
  • Operate grills, fryers, ovens, sauté stations, and other kitchen equipment safely.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, prep areas, and cooking stations.
  • Coordinate with servers and kitchen team members to support timely order execution.
  • Monitor food inventory and communicate needs or issues to management.

Teamwork & Guest Focus
  • Work collaboratively with other cooks, servers, and restaurant staff.
  • Follow direction from management and shift leaders.
  • Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Reading tickets, writing prep notes, and using kitchen display systems.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
  • Use of kitchen equipment and restaurant technology, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and repetitive motions.

Work Environment
  • Work performed in a full-service restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to heat, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating standards.
  • Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
  • Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during high-volume periods.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous cooking or line cook experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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