ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Black Dog Champaign

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join Our Team as an Evening Prep Cook at Black Dog Champaign! Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Black Dog Champaign, located in the ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Applebee's

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Houlihan's Bar & Grill

Kitchen Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff * Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution

Priority Life Care

Cook

Rantoul, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

Delegates tasks to the Prep Cooks and Dietary Aides * Reports any issues or problems that may arise to the Dietary Manager * Complies with state and federal sanitation standards and all other ...

New

Addington Place of Monticello

Cook

Monticello, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

Delegates tasks to the Prep Cooks and Dietary Aides * Reports any issues or problems that may arise to the Dietary Manager * Complies with state and federal sanitation standards and all other ...

Addington Place of Rantoul

Cook

Rantoul, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

Delegates tasks to the Prep Cooks and Dietary Aides * Reports any issues or problems that may arise to the Dietary Manager * Complies with state and federal sanitation standards and all other ...

Priority Life Care

Cook

Monticello, IL · On-site

$10K/mo

Delegates tasks to the Prep Cooks and Dietary Aides * Reports any issues or problems that may arise to the Dietary Manager * Complies with state and federal sanitation standards and all other ...

Houlihan's Bar & Grill

Kitchen Manager

Champaign, IL

$40K - $60K/yr

Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff * Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution

Raising Cane's

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and ... cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and ... cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooks Prep Cooks JobsCooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Champaign, IL

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Champaign, IL is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.36 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 Champaign, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Champaign, IL are:

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

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

Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,676 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Restaurant Cooks, Brothers Bar & Grill, Champaign, IL

Brothers Bar and Grill

Champaign, IL • On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Brothers Bar & Grill, Champaign, IL, has immediate openings for line cooks and prep cooks to join our team. All positions are part-time, with the potential for up to 30 hours per work week. Scheduling flexibility is available to work around class schedules and activities.
Cook wages are paid at a rate of $17-$18.50/hour
Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old
- Available up to 30 hours per work week
- Able to work in fast-paced environment with confidence and poise
- Excellent communication skills, team player and solid work ethic
- Willingness to learn, expand responsibilities and have fun on the job
- Must be a people person, capable of providing outstanding guest service
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Apply