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Cooks Helper Jobs in Marion, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

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

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

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.

Job Details

Benton, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

Be a sauce boss and make hungry people happy as a Cook for Pizza Hut. That's right, you can earn ... to help you learn your role and keep growing throughout your career. Be a part of a team that ...

Crew Member

Marion, IL

$11 - $14.50/hr

Passion for helping and serving others (both customers and team members) * Desire to learn how to cook (a lot) * Be at least 16 years old * Ability to communicate in the primary language(s) of the ...

Crew Member

Marion, IL · On-site

$11 - $14.50/hr

Passion for helping and serving others (both customers and team members) * Desire to learn how to cook (a lot) * Be at least 16 years old * Ability to communicate in the primary language(s) of the ...

Crew Member

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

... help our Team Members growResponsibilities:Our Crew Members are responsible for greeting guests, order taking, preparing/cooking/serving food, cleaning and stocking.Minimum hiring age is 15 (at $15 ...

Crew Member

Harrisburg, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

... help our Team Members growResponsibilities:Our Crew Members are responsible for greeting guests, order taking, preparing/cooking/serving food, cleaning and stocking.Minimum hiring age is 15 (at $15 ...

Crew Member

Marion, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

... help our Team Members growResponsibilities:Our Crew Members are responsible for greeting guests, order taking, preparing/cooking/serving food, cleaning and stocking.Minimum hiring age is 15 (at $15 ...

Crew Member

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

... help our Team Members growResponsibilities:Our Crew Members are responsible for greeting guests, order taking, preparing/cooking/serving food, cleaning and stocking.Minimum hiring age is 15 (at $15 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Helper information

See Marion, IL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 62% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,157 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$15 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Olive Garden rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,036 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

$15.00 per hour - $24.75 per hour Our Winning Family Starts With You. Check out these great benefits. Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc.) Free Employee Meal

(limited menu) Weekly pay Anniversary pay Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire) Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service) Medical/dental insurance Ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles Discounts on cellphones, travel, electronics & much more. 401(k) savings plan (Company match after 1 year of service) Management career advancement opportunities (50%+ of our managers are promoted from hourly positions!) State Benefits Overview And much more. Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here.

One key to our success is the high standards we set for ourselves and each other. That includes placing the health and safety of our team members and guests as a top priority. We are committed to the highest safety and sanitation practices, including ensuring team member wellness and maintaining clean restaurants.

Soup, sauce, pasta, and lasagna are key to the genuine Italian dining experience. As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards.

We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family. #MyOliveGardenFam Apply


What Olive Garden employees say

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Benefits

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Olive Garden

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Olive Garden, we know that life is better together and everyone is happiest when they’re with family. From never ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden salad, to our homemade soups and sauces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Olive Garden, we make everyone feel like family and the communities we serve are an extension of that family. That’s why we are committed to supporting these communities in the fight against hunger. Every one of our 900+ restaurants participates in our Harvest program, donating high-quality, wholesome food to local nonprofit partners. We’re also long-term partners with Feeding America®, and since 2017, the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of our parent company, has donated more than $16.3 million on behalf of our family of restaurants to support Feeding America member food banks across all 50 states. As part of these ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Olive Garden has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in communities where food insecurity rates are disproportionately high. Through grants from the Darden Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, 35 Feeding America food banks in 35 different parts of the country received a 26-foot refrigerated box truck to help increase address transportation needs and give access to nutritious food for those who need it most.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US