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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

$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. • ...

Rush University Medical Center

Sr Cook

Chicago, IL

$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. • ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

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 Welton, Principal 309-467-5701 james.welton ...

Regional Office of Education #43

Assistant Cook

Washburn, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

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 Welton, Principal 309-467-5701 james.welton ...

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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 Aug 11, 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, 77% Full Time, 19% 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.

Food Service Kitchen Worker: 2026-2027 School Year

Lee/Ogle/Whiteside Regional Office of Education #47

Byron, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Cafeteria
Date Posted:
7/17/2026
Location:
Byron Community School District #226
Date Available:
08/03/2026
District:
Byron CUSD 226
Kitchen/Cafeteria Staff
Employer: Byron C.U.S.D. #226
Location: Byron, Illinois
Reports To: Head Cook/Cafeteria Manager
Job Goal
The primary function of the Kitchen/Cafeteria Staff member is to assist in the preparation and serving of meals prepared under the direction and supervision of the Head Cook. The staff member is also responsible for maintaining the food service facility, equipment, and materials in a clean, healthful condition.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • Meet other required certifications by the State Board of Education.
  • Commitment to a continuous staff development program.

Major Responsibilities
  • Assist the Head Cook in the preparation and service of meals and other food prepared under the supervision of the Head Cook.
  • Assist the Head Cook in maintaining the food service facilities, equipment, and materials in a clean, healthful condition.
  • Assist the Head Cook in caring for the security and maintenance of the food service facilities, equipment, and supplies.
  • Perform such duties as assigned by the Board of Education or its designee.

Terms of Employment & Evaluation
  • Terms of Employment: Terms are outlined in the BESPA contract and individual contract.
  • Evaluation: Performance in this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on the evaluation of Educational Support Personnel.

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