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Cooks Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Food Prep Helper

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - 55267006 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

New

Much more Who We're Looking For Experienced line cooks, sous chefs, and culinary professionals who are passionate about food and helping people. If you're ready to leave the restaurant grind behind ...

Food Prep Helper

Palatine, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

... Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a ...

Prep Kitchen Helper

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Prepares and cooks pizzas * Assists with preparation of other menu items such as spicy wings, salads, and desserts * Complies with all portion sizes, quality standards, policies, and procedures.

Prep Kitchen Helper

Skokie, IL · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Prepares and cooks pizzas * Assists with preparation of other menu items such as spicy wings, salads, and desserts * Complies with all portion sizes, quality standards, policies, and procedures.

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

$17.90 - $19.46/hr

Do you love to prep and cook ... Help support our community and have a positive impact. Apply today! Distinguishing Characteristics:

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Food Prep Helper

Sodexo

Bloomington, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Food Prep Helper


Location: ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - 55267006

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $16.50 - $19.00

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You'll Do: As a Food Prep Helper at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menusand ensuring all working areas are kept clean and tidy. Your welcoming customer service puts a smile on people's faces and makes an impact in their everyday lives. 


Responsibilities include:

  • Reads recipes and/or product directions and assists in the preparation of hot and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment
  • Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment
  • May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 - 1 year of related experience is beneficial


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.




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