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Cooks Helper Jobs in Marion, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Support Staff/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 6/30/2026 Location: Carbondale Community High School Date Available: TBD Closing Date: Until Filled Position: Cook (Full-time) Posted: June 30, 2026 Terms of ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

  • Retirement

Oasis Thrillhouse in Marion, IL is looking for passionate Cooks to join their team! This is a unique opportunity to bring your culinary skills to an iconic brand and help fuel the spirit of riders ...

Cook

Harrisburg, IL

$15 - $16/hr

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to our residents ... Ability to direct and instruct other kitchen help in job tasks and work cooperatively with ...

Who would cook, assemble and wrap good items, stock all needed products and preparation materials ... We're looking for smiling faces to help us with our vision to Serve Fan Food Not Fast food to ...

Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Dietary Cook

Carterville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... help them continue making a difference in our world. Responsibilities Responsible for the ... Participate in preparing and cooking meals according to established recipes and approved menus.

Line Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd ...

Line Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd ...

Line Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd ...

Line Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd ...

Prep Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Marion, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Production/Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

  • Retirement

As a Pizza Hut Cook, you'll prepare menu items and have some cleaning duties. You should be a fun ... Meal discounts Plus training to help you learn your role and keep growing throughout your career.

Production/Cook

Benton, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

  • Retirement

As a Pizza Hut Cook, you'll prepare menu items and have some cleaning duties. You should be a fun ... Meal discounts Plus training to help you learn your role and keep growing throughout your career.

Production/Cook

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

  • Retirement

As a Pizza Hut Cook, you'll prepare menu items and have some cleaning duties. You should be a fun ... Meal discounts Plus training to help you learn your role and keep growing throughout your career.

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Showing results 1-20

Cooks Helper information

See Marion, IL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Marion, IL is $15.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Marion, IL are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs?

Cities near Marion, IL with the most Cooks Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Marion, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,157 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 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.