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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

All Team Staffing

Line Cook

Dundee, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Stable hours (choose full-time or part-time) * FT associates will be considered for permanent employment RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOKS: * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan ...

Children's Home and Aid

Cook's Assistant

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Cook's Assistant is a critical member of our El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team, assisting the cook with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children and adults every ...

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Children's Home & Aid

Cook's Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Cook's Assistant is a critical member of our El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team, assisting the cook with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children and adults every ...

New

Ravinia Green

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Line Cooks

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Job Summary As a Cook 2, you are responsible for the set-up, food preparation, and organization of ... Prepare or assist in preparing complete meals, including soups, meats, gravies, vegetables ...

Ravinia Green

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Line Cooks

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Job Summary As a Cook 2, you are responsible for the set-up, food preparation, and organization of ... Prepare or assist in preparing complete meals, including soups, meats, gravies, vegetables ...

Avocado Theory

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Cooks

Naperville, IL · On-site

$680 - $1.3K/wk

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste * Help plan and ... * Assist in food preparation and ensure all ingredients are handled safely and stored properly

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Avocado Theory

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Cooks

Naperville, IL · On-site

$680 - $1.3K/wk

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste * Help plan and ... * Assist in food preparation and ensure all ingredients are handled safely and stored properly

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Avocado Theory

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Cooks

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste * Help plan and ... * Assist in food preparation and ensure all ingredients are handled safely and stored properly

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Avocado Theory

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Cooks

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste * Help plan and ... * Assist in food preparation and ensure all ingredients are handled safely and stored properly

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Antioch School District 34

Assistant Cook

Antioch, IL · On-site

$15.35/hr

Maintains and follows the instructions given by the Head Cook to assist in the preparing and serving of daily school lunches. * Assumes responsibilities of the Head Cook during their absence.

Logan's Roadhouse

Grill Cooks

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items ... Follow all company policies, procedures, and health department regulations * Assist with food prep ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Grill Cooks

Marion, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items ... Follow all company policies, procedures, and health department regulations * Assist with food prep ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Eureka Community Unit School District #140 Eureka High School has an opening for an Assistant Cook beginning August 2026. Please apply online and contact Mr. James Welton with questions. Mr. James ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Eureka Community Unit School District #140 Eureka High School has an opening for an Assistant Cook beginning August 2026. Please apply online and contact Mr. James Welton with questions. Mr. James ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Illinois is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What is a cooks assistant?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooks assistant?

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,205 per year, or $15 per hour.

Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook

North Boone Community Unit School District 200

Poplar Grove, IL • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Substitute/Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook
Date Posted:
3/6/2026
Location:
Multiple Buildings
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
When Filled
Description:
Substitute Cook/Assistant Cook
Job Summary:
  • Assist in the preparation of food portions and prepare cafeteria counter
  • Serve students and staff from the cafeteria counter
  • Perform the cleaning of all kitchen equipment and the washing and sterilizing of all dishes, silverware and utensils

Qualifications:
  1. High school diploma
  2. Knowledgeable of safety precautions regarding blood borne pathogens
  3. Food Certification/sanitation certificate required

Reports to:
Food Service Director
Salary:
$15.50/hour
There are no benefits for substitute positions
Application Procedure:
Apply Online

Apply