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Cooking Job Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL

$13 - $16/hr

Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping ...

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Cook

Elgin, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... cooking a wide variety of meals for our residents and guests. You will be part of a dynamic kitchen team that is committed to providing high-quality food and exceptional service. Responsibilities:

Rt 47 Wings & Tavern

Cook

Sugar Grove, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Enjoy flexible scheduling, paid training, and employee discounts while sharpening your cooking skills in a supportive and lively atmosphere. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and cook menu items with ...

Nexus of Geneva

Cook

Geneva, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a key member of our kitchen staff, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes to meet the highest quality standards. If you have a passion for food, excellent ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL

$16/hr

Must have experience cooking, must be able to do closing shifts and weekends. Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to ...

Wingstop

Cook

Bartlett, IL

$15/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Benefits: * Employee discount * Free meals * Flexible schedule Additional Information: Cook and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elgin, IL

$12 - $14/hr

Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop experience Ability to practice safe cooking procedures Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets Accurately count ...

Pearl of Tiller

Cook

Oswego, IL

$20 - $22/hr

The Cook performs designated work and cleaning routines for the Dietary Department to include preparing meals correctly and timely, supervising employee staff, and is accountable to the Dietary ...

SLIC

Cook

Oswego, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Cook performs designated work and cleaning routines for the Dietary Department to include preparing meals correctly and timely, supervising employee staff, and is accountable to the Dietary ...

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All JobsCooking Job JobsCooking Job Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Cooking Job information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in DeKalb, IL is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.65 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 cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Cooking Job job openings:

Cooking Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,924 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

COMMERCIAL COOKING TECHNICIAN

Great Lakes South Town

Elgin, IL

$25 - $50/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Up to $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualifying technicians
"If you have at least 3 years of experience working with commercial kitchen and cooking equipment, we want you to apply!"
Commercial Kitchen Equipment (Hot Side) Service Technician
Great Lakes Serviceis seeking qualifiedCommercial Kitchen Service Technicians (hot side)for our team in Illinois, Indiana and the surrounding areas. We are responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing commercial kitchen equipment at customer locations.
Let's start off with WHY you should work for us....
  • Competitive Hourly Rates and Overtime Pay.
  • Company Vehicle and Cell Phone.
  • Awesome benefits such asmedical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including holidays.
  • 401k with Company Match.
  • Technical Training Opportunities.
  • Town Shares program, which allows you to share in the long-term financial success of our company as you grow with us.
  • Pay: $25.00 to $50.00+ per hour,based on experience
What does a Commercial Service Technician do?
  • Install, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair Commercial Kitchen Equipment.
  • Provide excellent customer service by meeting expectations on every service call.
  • Complete service calls promptly.
  • Identify new customers and opportunities within existing accounts.
  • Participate in after-hours and weekend on-call schedules.
  • Maintain service vehicle and order necessary parts.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance and lift equipment.
Schedule:
  • Standard Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Swing shifts available
  • We are a 24/7 company, on-call hours required
What we need from you:
  • Minimum of three yearsof prior experience in commercial kitchen repair or equivalent military technical roles.
  • Electrical, electronic, and mechanical skills.
  • Excellent customer communication skills.
  • Successful completion of drug screen and criminal background screening
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Driving record must align with our safety standards
It would be awesome if you had:
  • CFESA certifications
Veterans encouraged to apply!
About Great Lakes Service
Great Lakes Service is the Midwest leader in repair and maintenance for commercial cooking, refrigeration, HVAC, ware-washing, beverage, and ice machine equipment. Integrity-driven, we serve our customers with qualified technicians, outstanding customer service, innovative technology, a high first-time fix rate, and the best response times in the industry. At Great Lakes Service, we make it our mission to create higher industry standards that change the perception of service companies in the markets we serve. As a dedicated service partner, our goal is to eliminate downtime and lost revenue with proactive solutions that help our customers run a more profitable business. Let us know if you want to be part of our team! To learn more, please visit us at: http://www.greatlakesservice.com
Great Lakes Service is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Great Lakes Service is a division of Unlimited Service Group, "All Unique All United
Employment Type: Full-Time

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