ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooking Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Jobs in Elgin, IL

Cooking information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in Elgin, IL is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or private households. Duties typically include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may also be involved in menu planning, inventory management, and collaborating with other kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on time.

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

Cooks in fast-paced kitchens often deal with high-pressure situations, especially during peak dining hours when multiple orders need to be prepared quickly and accurately. Maintaining consistency in taste and presentation while juggling various tasks can be demanding. Communication and teamwork are crucial, as cooks must coordinate closely with other kitchen staff and servers to ensure timely service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or handling special dietary requests can also add to the complexity of the role.

What is the difference between Cooking vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCookingFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationsTypically no formal certifications needed
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringFood production lines, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job DutiesPreparing, cooking, and presenting dishesChopping, assembling ingredients, basic food prep
Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood manufacturing, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants

Cooking involves preparing and cooking dishes, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Food Preparation Workers focus on basic food assembly and prep tasks, usually without formal credentials. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook, foundational skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and menu planning are essential, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for success in a busy kitchen environment. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL? For Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Cooking jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Cooking job openings:
Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,174 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Children's Cooking Instructor

Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$30/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®!

  • Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?
  • Are you looking for a fun, part-time job?
  • Do you love the magical combination of children and cooking?
  • Are you passionate about introducing kids to new ingredients and exploring new tastes in the kitchen?
  • Do you have a love for food and want to lead cooking classes for children using our kid-tested and approved recipes?

If so, please read on and consider joining us in the kitchen!

This position pays a great starting wage of $60.00 per class + food reimbursement. Please note: Due to locations and times, you will likely teach just 1 afterschool class per day. Additional prep and wrap up time bookend the hour long class! Choose which days work best for you. School assignments will be as close to your home/work as possible.

Our instructors bring the kitchen to the kids with our cooking kit that contains all the necessary equipment and tools. SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® provides paid hands-on training and individualized support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Availability at least 2 days a week to teach (Classes are Monday - Friday and take place between 2-5pm; most classes are between 3:00 - 4:30pm! Some availability between 3:00 - 4:30pm will be strongly preferred!!)
  • Commitment to teaching weekly for full sessions (ranging from 6-12 weeks)
  • Experience working with groups of kids of varying ages
  • Ability to manage and engage a group of 8-14 children with diverse backgrounds and academic levels
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Ability to communicate with our team in a timely manner
  • Punctual and reliable
  • No professional cooking experience required
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (can obtain before teaching)

Let's TACO-bout "a day in the life" of an After School Children's Cooking Instructor!

As a part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor, you are the face of our company, getting to interact with children between the ages of 3-12, parents, and school staff each week. You work on-site at different locations in your area, leading hour-long healthy and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students.

Each week, you create creative recipes and teach children about new ingredients and healthy foods from all over the world in an engaging and hands-on way. Your organizational skills come into play as you review weekly class curricula and prepare for instruction which includes shopping independently for fresh ingredients. You teach basic kitchen skills including washing, cutting, grating, stirring, measuring, nutrition, and more as well as the history, geography, and language behind each recipe.

Kids learn in a dynamic hands-on environment while you provide the direction and encouragement to create a new recipe each class. Teach kids healthy food habits that will nourish their bodies and minds for a lifetime.

Our chefs are ONE in a MELON! Meet some of them in this video: https://vimeo.com/492139079

ABOUT STICKY FINGERS COOKING®

Our dedicated, talented and creative team has been busy cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity for thousands of children in online classes, schools, camps, and special events since 2008.

We offer quality enrichment cooking classes before, during, and after school, as well as birthday parties, private cooking classes, and camps for children 3-12 years of age. Sticky Fingers Cooking® also operates in select cities across the country!

Our philosophy is that kids are only impacted if we have great instructors who are passionate about what they do. We attract and retain such amazing instructors by offering a friendly schedule, all the needed equipment, and tools, paid training, individualized support, and FUN!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

If you feel that you would be a GRATE fit, please fill out our application. We look forward to meeting you!


Upon hire, employees will be required to pass a fingerprint background check.