1

Cooks Assistant Jobs in Mattoon, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shift Lead

Effingham, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Shift Lead

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Shift Lead

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Shift Lead

Effingham, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Shift Lead

Mattoon, IL

$13 - $16/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

... Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food service routine within a short period. Set up meal trays. Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with ...

Daily Living As a Lead DSP you will assist people with developmental disabilities in their home with daily living skills such as medication administration, meal prep, cooking, dressing, hygiene, and ...

LEAD DSP - HICKORY

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$18.30 - $20.80/hr

Daily Living As a Lead DSP you will assist people with developmental disabilities in their home with daily living skills such as medication administration, meal prep, cooking, dressing, hygiene, and ...

LEAD DSP - HICKORY

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$18.30 - $20.80/hr

Daily Living As a Lead DSP you will assist people with developmental disabilities in their home with daily living skills such as medication administration, meal prep, cooking, dressing, hygiene, and ...

Daily Living As a Lead DSP you will assist people with developmental disabilities in their home with daily living skills such as medication administration, meal prep, cooking, dressing, hygiene, and ...

Shift Lead

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Shift Lead

Effingham, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Assists manager or assistant store manager in evaluating and developing displays, including ... Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ...

Food Scientist

Teutopolis, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... assist in the improvement of manufacturing processes. * Ability to initiate, plan and execute ... Eager to learn analytical, baking, cooking and formulation skills. Good at reading technical and ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooks Assistant information

See Mattoon, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Mattoon, IL is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.25 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 cities near Mattoon, IL are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Mattoon, IL with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) MATTOON WEEKENDS REQ

CTF Illinois

Mattoon, IL • On-site

$18.30 - $21.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

CTF Illinois is looking for caring, dependable, and motivated people to join our team.   Together we can empower each individual we serve to live the life they want to live.   As a member of our team you will be a part of a culture where individuals are not defined by their differences but recognized for the value they bring to their communities.

As a direct support professional, you would work in one of our group homes.   Together, as a team, our DSP’s support our individuals by helping them live as independently as possible, ensuring they are healthy and safe, and helping with daily life activities such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, bathing, shopping, and community activities. 

Benefits and Pay Range:

  • DSP’s earn between $18.30-21.30 per hour  ($18.30 + SHIFT DIFFERENTIALS)
  • Benefits for full time DSP’s include: contributory medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, accident, critical illness,and hospital indemnity effective 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
  • Employer paid short term disability and $20,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees
  • Both part- and full-time employees receive paid time off!
  • 401k with company match
  • Cell Phone Stipend
  • FREE DSP Certification and PAID training!

CTF Illinois is dedicated to helping people with I/DD reach their full potential using the power of Communities that Transform Futures. Our success is measured in the number of lives we touch with the quality programs and services we provide. These person-centered programs are fueled by our dedicated staff, caring volunteers, and generous donors. CTF Illinois offers a wide range of community-based programs and services striving to meet the needs and choices of each person we serve. We support people and their families by providing personalized planning and various resources to assist them in creating their life-long journey.

CTF Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Valid Driver's License w/good driving record