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Cooks Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

HELPER COOK

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.

Chartwells K12

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Antioch, IL · On-site

Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following ...

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Lake Villa, IL · On-site

Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following ...

The Budlong Hot Chicken

Cooks

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... help make this restaurant a success. About the Role As a cook, you will play a key role in preparing delicious dishes including pizza, wings, and Mediterranean cuisine. We are seeking open-minded ...

DO & CO

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards. * Maintaining high ...

Avocado Theory

Be Seen First

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 develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining culinary ...

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 develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining culinary ...

Avocado Theory

Cooks

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

Avocado Theory

Be Seen First

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 develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining culinary ...

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 develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining culinary ...

Dog Haus

Experienced Cooks Needed!

Peoria, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

National Star Services

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Helpers for our location in Des Plaines, IL 60018. This may be the perfect job for you if you are ... cooks with different tasks in the kitchen: food preparation, cutting fruits and vegetables ...

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All JobsCooks Helper JobsCooks Helper Jobs in Illinois

Cooks Helper information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Illinois is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooks helper?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cooks Helper job openings:

Cooks Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,792 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Substitute Cooks Helper

Carbondale Elementary School District 95

Carbondale, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

POSITION NOTICE

SUBSTITUTE COOK'S HELPER 

JOB DESCRIPTION:            
Serves as a substitute cook's helper in the school lunch program.  Work under the supervision of the Director of Food Services to assist in preparation and serving of the daily meals and the cleanup of the kitchen operation.
QUALIFICATIONS: 
Applicant must have a valid Food Handlers Certificate and experience in food preparation for large groups and the ability to work with students in grades K-8th.
REQUIREMENTS:
Completed Background Check Form through the Regional Office of Education #30
Completed Health Exam by a Certified Physician
Completed TB Exam by a Certified Physician 
SALARY: $15.00/hr.
CONTACT:
Sherry Wyatt, Director of Food Service
Carbondale Elementary School District #95  
1150 E. Grand Avenue    
Carbondale, IL  62901     
(618) 457-2174 Ext. 2657
Attn: Substitute Cook's Helper 
Essential Job Functions
1.            Assist in food preparation.
This will require repetitive movement such as cutting, chopping and spreading for up to 30 minutes at a time.  Heavy lifting will occur when moving large trays, pans or pots of food from stoves and ovens to serving areas.
2.             Assist in serving food to students and staff.
This will require standing for a period of 40 minutes without interruption and move along a serving line to different stations.
3.            Assist in lowering and setting the tables for students and staff.
This will require moving large, folding, cafeteria tables to a specified location and lowering them into position.  Heavy lifting will be required when lowering the tables.
4.            Sets up tables with beverages and trays when necessary.
This will require moving from table to table and setting beverages, trays and utensils for the students.
5.            Receives and stocks supplies.
This may require carrying and placing on shelve boxes and cases of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.  Additionally this will involve re-stocking of milk coolers that require carrying containers of milk weighing 25-30 pounds.
6.            Assist with maintaining supply inventories.
This will require maintaining a written record of supplies received and used on a daily basis.
7.            Scrape and wash dishes, pots and pans.
This will require loading and unloading trays in the dishwasher and washing and drying pots, pans and utensils.  Moderate lifting will be required when returning these trays, pots, pans and utensils to their storage areas.
8.            Assist in cleaning kitchen equipment, including surface areas, shelves and floors.
This will require cleaning stoves, ovens, meat cutters, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, counter tops, storage shelves and kitchen floors.
9.            Assist in cleaning and putting up tables when finished.
This will require cleaning the tops, seats and at times the underneath areas of the large, folding, cafeteria tables raising them into storage position and moving them to their storage location in the cafeteria. Heavy lifting will be required when raising the tables.
The Substitute Cook's Helper may be requested to perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Food Services.













































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