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Cooking Job Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Staff On Site

Cook/Kitchen Stocker

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment , prepare ingredients to use in cooking (chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc.) cook food in various utensils or ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

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 ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

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 ...

Pavilion on Main Street

Cook

Sandwich, IL

$19 - $20.50/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 ...

Oak Crest Residence Association

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 ...

Golden Corral

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 ...

The Rabbit's Foot

Cook

Rochelle, IL

$13/hr

The Rabbit's Foot in Rochelle, IL is looking for one cook to join our team. We are located on 1244 N 7th St. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, motivated, and hard-working. Starting pay based off ...

Golden Corral

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 ...

Oak Crest Residence Association

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 ...

Crescent Care of Elgin

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 ...

Oak Crest Residence Association

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 ...

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All JobsCooking Job JobsCooking Job Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Cooking Job information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$9

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$21

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 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 are careers in cooking?

Careers in cooking include roles such as chef, sous chef, line cook, pastry chef, and kitchen manager. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often certification or training from culinary schools or programs. Cooking careers can be found in restaurants, hotels, catering services, and other food service establishments.

What jobs can I do with a cooking job?

With a cooking job, you can pursue roles such as line cook, sous chef, pastry chef, kitchen manager, or catering chef. These positions often require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.

What are popular job titles related to Cooking Job jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Cooking Job jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in DeKalb, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

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, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,924 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Cook

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute

Maple Park, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Cook Career Opportunity

Recognized for your culinary skills

Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who not only brings skill to the kitchen but also seeks a career close to home and close to heart. In this role, you'll be instrumental in preparing therapeutic and modified diets for patients. Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. 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

At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Working with us means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.

Starting Perks and Benefits

At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:

  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
  • Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
  • Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous education.
  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!

Become the Cook you always wanted to be

  • Apportion servings according to menu combinations or orders for patients.
  • Follow menus, recipes, and oral instructions in the preparation of various foods.
  • Serve appropriate portion sizes based on menu specifications.
  • Plan timing of preparation of the food to ensure food satisfaction.
  • Ensure satisfaction regarding taste, texture, temperature and appearance.

Qualifications

  • Possession of a food handler's permit, if required by state or county regulations.
  • Training in food preparation for therapeutic diets.
  • Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable.
  • Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines.
  • Flexibility in working weekdays, weekends, evenings, or night shifts to meet deadlines is expected.

We're eagerly looking forward to meeting you, and we genuinely mean that. Join us on this remarkable journey!

Apply