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

... 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 Service Worker Dishwasher

Banner, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will assist with food prep, unbox foods and supplies, lifting and carrying boxes from storage ... glasses and cooking utensils. Also cleans and sanitizes designated equipment and kitchen areas ...

Food Service Worker

Banner, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will assist with food prep, unbox foods and supplies, lifting and carrying boxes from storage ... glasses and cooking utensils. Also cleans and sanitizes designated equipment and kitchen areas ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Canton, IL salary details

$8

$14

$19

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.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

At Sonic, you're a partner and we compensate you like one. It's the dream job you never have to wake up from. At SONIC, you'll whistle while you work, gaining a sense of accomplishment along the way. You'll interact with fantastic people, earn great pay, sport a cool uniform. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant General Manager, you are indeed a general-leading your troops in a never-ending campaign to give America an infinitely more delicious food service experience. You will be involved in training and supporting drive-in restaurant employees, ensuring that food is delivered in a clean, safe and efficient manner and our customers have an excellent experience.


Position:                                                        General Manager

Immediate Supervisor:                         Area Supervisor



Position Summary: This position is the highest management position at the drive-in and is responsible for leading and managing the drive-in's operations and employees.   


Essential Job Duties:

  • Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, manage, direct, coach, lead, schedule, assign, discipline, and terminate the drive-in's assistant managers and employees
  • Manage drive-in employees' compensation levels pursuant to company guidelines
  • Supervise, lead, and manage all aspects of drive-in operations to provide an optimal guest experience
  • Manage opening and/or closing duties
  • Handle and properly escalate guest issues/concerns
  • Handle and properly escalate employee issues/concerns
  • Manage, plan, forecast, and adjust the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service
  • Lead regular team meetings to ensure employees are focused on operational standards and guest service
  • Manage and maintain all drive-in recordkeeping
  • Prepare and maintain all necessary operational reports
  • Develop, implement, and manage action plans regarding local marketing and business performance
  • Ensure proper maintenance of drive-in and equipment
  • Supervise and manage vendor performance
  • Comply with and enforce all company policies, procedures, and operational standards
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
  • Manage regular cleaning and sanitation duties pursuant to operational standards
  • Regular attendance


ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

  • As needed, perform all station duties (fountain & frozen, dresser, front swamp, back swamp, grill, switchboard, expeditor, food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) to meet operational standards
  • As needed, perform 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
  • Move and stock food product weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required


Time/Shift Expectations: Minimum of 50 hours per week; irregular hours; nights; weekends; and holidays


Qualifications and Job Requirements:

  • Education
  • Required - High school diploma or equivalent
  • Preferred - Advanced studies in business, restaurant management, or related fields
  • Experience
  • At least three years of restaurant management experience (QSR preferred)
  • Experience running a restaurant shift without supervision
  • Experience recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and managing employees
  • Knowledge/Skills
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local labor and employment laws (e.g., wage and hour laws; EEO laws, etc.)
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local health and safety laws and regulations
  • Basic computer, math, accounting, and reading skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Problem-solving, multi-tasking, decision-making, leadership, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills

Work Environment: 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