ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooks Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Avocado Theory

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

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.

Rush University Medical Center

Sr Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.87 - $26.66/hr

Required Job Qualifications: • High School Diploma preferred. • Three years cooking experience. • Two years general cooking experience in cold food preparation and/or Cook's assistant. • ...

Belmont Public Schools

Assistant Head Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Food Service/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 6/3/2026 Location: Belmont High School Date Available: 09/01/2026 2026 / 2027 Openings Assistant Head Cook - Food Service Worker 40 hours per week ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooks JobsCooks Assistant JobsCooks Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Cooks Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% 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.

Cooks

Avocado Theory

Naperville, IL • On-site

$680 - $1.3K/wk

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

What you’ll do

  • Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring high-quality presentation and taste
  • Help plan and develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining culinary creativity
  • Assist in food preparation and ensure all ingredients are handled safely and stored properly
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, adhering to food safety regulations
  • Collaborate with team members to deliver outstanding service during daily operations
  • Utilize knife skills effectively for meal preparation, ensuring efficiency and precision
  • Provide excellent customer service by interacting with guests during meal service
  • Help team maintain a clean and safe working environment including dish washing responsibilities.
  • Utilizes flat-top grill, panini press and deep-fry.
  • Help maintain inventory organization .
  • Able to help in food running.

Basic qualifications

  • Solid background in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen operations.
  • Ability to work as a team and versatility to work in other food station.

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience in restaurant settings
  • Familiarity with food handling procedures and safety standards

Why you’ll love it here
We are committed to fostering an environment where our culinary team can thrive both personally and professionally. We believe that great food is at the heart of every memorable experience, and we support our team members with resources that enhance their skills and well-being.

Our benefits include:

  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Supportive team culture that values creativity and collaboration
  • Company discount

About us
Avocado Theory is America's first avocado-based restaurant. We focus on fresh and healthy foods that all include creative ways to prepare avocados in a variety of dishes. We are as much about community as we are about our food and focus on the strong connection between the two. We are a fast-casual dining experience, and we are quickly expanding our operation!

Benefits:

  • Paid training

Company Description

Our mission is to explore newer, healthier ways to enjoy Avocado and live a happier life.