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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Line Cooks, prep cooks

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$700 - $1.2K/wk

Line cooks, prep cooks needed

Prep Cooks

Marion, IL

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Marion, IL

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Marion, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Line Cook/Prep Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Line Cooks/Prep Cooks/Dishwashers Ted's Montana Grill isn't your ordinary restaurant, so we aren't looking for ordinary people. While we're Premium, Polished and Professional, we're also Cool (known ...

Line Cook/Prep Cook

Bolingbrook, IL

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Line Cooks/Prep Cooks/Dishwashers Ted's Montana Grill isn't your ordinary restaurant, so we aren't looking for ordinary people. While we're Premium, Polished and Professional, we're also Cool (known ...

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a high-energy ...

Prep Cook

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

At this location prep cooks e arn $17.50 / hour. Monday-Friday: 11am-Midnight Saturday/Sunday: 10am-Midnight If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and ...

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nando's Prep Cooks enable our restaurants to produce high quality items in a timely manner by keeping ingredients ready for service. A prep cook is responsible for the daily preparation of food items ...

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$13 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nando's Prep Cooks enable our restaurants to produce high quality items in a timely manner by keeping ingredients ready for service. A prep cook is responsible for the daily preparation of food items ...

Peel is currently hiring prep cooks. If you enjoy following receipts and scratch cooking this is the job for you. Mostly am shifts but we could are flexible in scheduling.

Line/Prep Cook

La Grange Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

The Kitchen Line/Prep Cooks prepare and cook a variety of pastas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches. Responsibilities: Refer to daily prep list at the start of each shift for assigned duties Understand ...

Line/Prep Cook

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The Kitchen Line/Prep Cooks prepare and cook a variety of pastas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches. Responsibilities: Refer to daily prep list at the start of each shift for assigned duties Understand ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Physical Demands Prep Cooks are expected to be able to perform the job functions with reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include: * Remain standing for extended periods of time in work areas ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

Physical Demands Prep Cooks are expected to be able to perform the job functions with reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include: * Remain standing for extended periods of time in work areas ...

Line/Prep Cook

Pekin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

The Kitchen Line/Prep Cooks prepare and cook a variety of pastas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches. Responsibilities: Refer to daily prep list at the start of each shift for assigned duties Understand ...

Prep Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Physical Demands Prep Cooks are expected to be able to perform the job functions with reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include: * Remain standing for extended periods of time in work areas ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL

$14 - $17.75/hr

Physical Demands Prep Cooks are expected to be able to perform the job functions with reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include: * Remain standing for extended periods of time in work areas ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook?

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

Do prep cooks make good money?

Prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

How much do prep cooks make a year?

Prep cooks typically earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Many prep cooks are paid hourly, with wages often between $10 and $15 per hour, and may receive benefits or overtime pay based on the employer's policies.

What qualifications do I need to be a prep cook?

Prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions are often required. Some employers may also value food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Illinois?

For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Line Cooks, prep cooks

Andy's Kitchen

Lake Zurich, IL • On-site

$700 - $1.2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

Line cooks, prep cooks needed