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Cooking Job Jobs in Forsyth, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook (Indeed Event)

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Gain hands on experience in cooking and preparing Panda favorites for our guests. * Gain a diverse range of skills to develop yourself and others. Shift Lead Qualifications Education and Experience:

Cook

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Sus responsabilidades como Cook incluiran, entre otras: * Acomodar y abastecer las estaciones de preparacion y linea * Limpiar, desinfectar y organizar el area, el equipo y los utensilios de la ...

Cook Full Time FT

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Oversees the work of other food service staff involved in the cooking process by performing the following duties. Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

New

Cook Full Time FT

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Oversees the work of other food service staff involved in the cooking process by performing the following duties. Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

New

COOK

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Cat - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Cook or Sous Chef

Decatur, IL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Cook or Sous Chef The Carriages of Decatur is growing our TEAM and we are looking for people who have a passion for serving older adults. We are seeking hard-working, dedicated Dining Services ...

Previous cooking experience is required. Previous experience in a healthcare setting is preferred. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $15.50 per hour. Make a difference in the lives of people, your ...

Line Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour As a Line Cook for Texas Roadhouse, you'll make made-from-scratch Legendary Food for our guests to enjoy. If you are a team player with a positive attitude and the ...

Line Cook

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour As a Line Cook for Texas Roadhouse, you'll make made-from-scratch Legendary Food for our guests to enjoy. If you are a team player with a positive attitude and the ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Cat - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Cat - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Cat - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Providing hands-on supervision and oversight for the preparation, cooking, and portioning of meals, following company recipes based on daily needs and contractual obligations. * Ensuring all meals ...

Back line Cook

Clinton, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook products using grill, broiler, ovens, and fryers. Assemble sandwiches and wrap or package them. Clean, slice and prepare produce to meet business demand. Temper and label products with discard ...

Back line Cook

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Cook products using grill, broiler, ovens, and fryers. Assemble sandwiches and wrap or package them. Clean, slice and prepare produce to meet business demand. Temper and label products with discard ...

Back line Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Cook products using grill, broiler, ovens, and fryers. Assemble sandwiches and wrap or package them. Clean, slice and prepare produce to meet business demand. Temper and label products with discard ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Job information

See Forsyth, IL salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Forsyth, IL is $15.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.26 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 cities near Forsyth, IL are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Forsyth, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,356 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Cook (Indeed Event)

Forsyth, IL • On-site

Panda Restaurant Group
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees

$15 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Panda Express rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 741 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Our Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for bringing Panda’s mission alive in our restaurants by supporting management in creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride.

As a Shift Lead for our team, you will have the opportunity to embrace a central role in a fast-paced and growth-oriented environment. Our restaurants are the heart and soul of our company, and we believe our people are the recipe for success. You will:

  • Support in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for our guests.
  • Gain valuable skills managing store operations and leading the team during the shift.
  • Gain hands on experience in cooking and preparing Panda favorites for our guests.
  • Gain a diverse range of skills to develop yourself and others.


Shift Lead Qualifications Education and Experience:

  • Some high school
  • Prefer some Operations experience Food Safety:

Local/municipal requirements, such as Food Handler certification, acquired at applicant’s own expense


ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.

Pay Range: $15.00 per hour - $21.00 per hour


*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.


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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US