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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Cary, IL (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 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 ...

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

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 ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Prep Cook

Glenview, IL

$15 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid ...

Prep Cook

Glenview, IL · On-site

$15 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid ...

Line and Prep Cook - BAR

Barrington, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Line and Prep Cooks are responsible for cooking and preparing menu items as requested by customers, stocking necessary food preparation stations, and maintaining a clean working ...

Line and Prep Cook - LV

Libertyville, IL

$14.50 - $18/hr

Position Summary The Line and Prep Cooks are responsible for cooking and preparing menu items as requested by customers, stocking necessary food preparation stations, and maintaining a clean working ...

Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified recipes and standards * Memorize and utilize our serving portion sizes and all basic meal prep procedures used ...

Line Cook Prep Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Cooks food items by grilling, frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods to specified recipes and standards * Memorize and utilize our serving portion sizes and all basic meal prep procedures used ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Cary, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Cary, IL is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Cary, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,098 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Line Cooks, prep cooks

Andy's Kitchen

Lake Zurich, IL • On-site

$700 - $1.2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

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Job description

Line cooks, prep cooks needed