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Cooking Job Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next chapter starts here. Welcome to a kitchen where your skills meet a sense of belonging. A Glimpse into Our World ...

Preschool Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... by cooking daily nutritious meals. You will: * Prepare and cook healthy and delicious meals for preschool children that meet proper nutritional requirements. * Maintain and track food allergies for ...

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

These culinary roles will be responsible for creating all of the dishes on our menu and duties will include preparing and cooking a variety of different dishes. Your commitment to us: * Ensuring the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

These culinary roles will be responsible for creating all of the dishes on our menu and duties will include preparing and cooking a variety of different dishes. Your commitment to us: * Ensuring the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next chapter starts here. Welcome to a kitchen where your skills meet a sense of belonging. A Glimpse into Our World ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

These culinary roles will be responsible for creating all of the dishes on our menu and duties will include preparing and cooking a variety of different dishes. Your commitment to us: * Ensuring the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

These culinary roles will be responsible for creating all of the dishes on our menu and duties will include preparing and cooking a variety of different dishes. Your commitment to us: * Ensuring the ...

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... cooking daily meals for dementia residents within assisted living community, while meeting federal and state health department standards by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Passion for cooking and creating memorable dining experiences. * Empathy and understanding towards residents' needs and preferences. About Us: Oak Crest Residence Association has been serving the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join our team and work in a unique cooking atmosphere interacting with families serving themselves from our extensive buffet offerings. We are currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Passion for cooking and creating memorable dining experiences. * Empathy and understanding towards residents' needs and preferences. About Us: Oak Crest Residence Association has been serving the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Join our team and work in a unique cooking atmosphere interacting with families serving themselves from our extensive buffet offerings. We are currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Passion for cooking and creating memorable dining experiences. * Empathy and understanding towards residents' needs and preferences. About Us: Oak Crest Residence Association has been serving the ...

Cook

Rockford, IL

$15.50 - $17.96/hr

Two or more years of cooking experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred. Physical Requirements: * Walking, reaching, bending, lifting ...

Cook

Elgin, IL

$18 - $22.94/hr

Two or more years of cooking experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred.  Physical Requirements:  * Walking, reaching, bending, lifting ...

Cook

Belvidere, IL

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Plans individual cooking schedule so that all foods for regular and therapeutic menus and special functions will be properly cooked and ready at appropriate time. * Follows recipes and portioning ...

Dietary cook

Sandwich, IL

$14.25 - $18/hr

Familiarity with seasoning, cooking time required, and characteristics of various cuts of meat, poultry, fish, grains, fruits, and vegetables Company Culture: At Sandwich Living and Rehab LLC , we ...

Cook

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

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

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Job information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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:

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.

$17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Pearl of Orchard Valley

***SIGN ON BONUS- $200 AFTER 90 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT***

COVID VACCINE IS REQUIRED

Cook Position Summary:

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 Manager. In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff.

Cook Qualifications:

**High School or Culinary Tech Graduate.

**Ability to read, understand and follow recipes, production sheets counts, diet orders, tray tickets and all employee work responsibilities and flows.

**Understand after training on computer software system for resident information and preferences.

**Must be Serve Safe Certified or able to earn within the first 90 days of starting.

Cook Duties:

**The Cook works under the direction of the Dietary Manager.

Responsible for the following daily activities but not limited to as follows:

**Preparing and portions hot and cold menu items according to proper menu and recipe as noted on the production sheet counts.

**Serving Resident meals according to the correct meal service times.

**Coverage for any staff members who call out due to illness.

**Assure all correct food and equipment temperatures are being recorded by meal.

**Daily resident and facility employee interaction to assure residents are satisfied and being provided correctly.

**Maintain highest standard of sanitation as required by the state Department of Health regulations.

**Practice clean, safe work environment.

**Willing to work flexible work hours.

**Track inventory and communicate to the Dietary Manager and low supplies or place orders for needed items.

**Label, wrap and date all unused food items in the correct areas.

**Must be able to lift up to 50lbs

**Support and follow Pollak Innovation Management and facility Policies and Procedures.

Responsible for the following daily activities in the absence of the Dietary Manager as follows but not limited to

**Assure staff is clocking in on time as per their schedule.

**Discipline staff not completing their job assignments correctly.

**Conduct daily huddle meetings for staff communication and direction.

Experience:

**Minimum of 1 year of previous Dietary (Healthcare) or Restaurant Experience.