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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Canton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shift Manager

Pekin, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

... prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as assigned to meet operational standards * Assist with new ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

Shift Manager

Pekin, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

... prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as assigned to meet operational standards * Assist with new ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

General Utility

Pekin, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Completes all assigned prep work (10%*). * Removes trash and garbage to dumpster area (10%*). * Washes work area tables, walls, refrigerator equipment, cooking equipment and floors (5%*). * Cleans ...

General Utility

Pekin, IL

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Completes all assigned prep work (10%*). * Removes trash and garbage to dumpster area (10%*). * Washes work area tables, walls, refrigerator equipment, cooking equipment and floors (5%*). * Cleans ...

... prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

... prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

... prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) to meet operational standards * As needed, perform ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) to meet operational standards * As needed, perform ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Canton, IL salary details

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$14

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Canton, IL is $14.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Canton, IL?

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

What cities near Canton, IL are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities near Canton, IL with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Canton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,117 per year, or $15 per hour.

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Position Summary:ย This position performs, leads, and supervises basic operational duties to provide quality products and service to guests.


Essential Job Duties:

  • Perform, lead, and supervise station duties (fountain & frozen, dresser, front swamp, back swamp, grill, switchboard, expeditor, food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as assigned to meet operational standards
  • Assist with new employee orientation and training
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards
  • Perform, lead, and supervise regular cleaning and sanitation duties - including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes and food preparation tools, wiping counters, sanitizing food preparation areas, cleaning equipment, and emptying used grease - pursuant to operational standards
  • Regular attendance


ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

  • Lead shift meetings
  • Report customer or employee complaints/issues to MOD
  • Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required


Time/Shift Expectations:ย Minimum of 30 hours per week; irregular hours; nights; weekends; and holidays


Qualifications and Job Requirements:

  • Knowledge/Skills
  • General restaurant or retail knowledge
  • Basic math and reading skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to follow directions
  • Multi-tasking, decision-making, leadership, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills

Work Environment:ย Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to extreme temperatures based on variable weather conditions