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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Chicago, IL

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Hotel Lincoln

FT Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a ... chefs * Follow recipes and ensure adherence to quality and presentation standards * Maintain a ...

Davidson Hospitality Group

FT Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a ... chefs * Follow recipes and ensure adherence to quality and presentation standards * Maintain a ...

Hotel Lincoln

FT Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a ... chefs * Follow recipes and ensure adherence to quality and presentation standards * Maintain a ...

Hotel Lincoln

FT Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a ... chefs * Follow recipes and ensure adherence to quality and presentation standards * Maintain a ...

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All JobsChef JobsEntry Level Chef JobsEntry Level Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Chef information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Chicago, IL is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chef?

An Entry Level Chef, often called a Commis Chef, is a beginner role in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, plating dishes, and learning cooking techniques. This role is a stepping stone for gaining hands-on experience and advancing in the culinary industry. Many Entry Level Chefs work in restaurants, hotels, or catering services while developing their skills.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for an entry level chef?

As an Entry Level Chef, you typically start by assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, but there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience and continued training, you can progress to more senior kitchen roles such as Line Cook, Sous Chef, or even Head Chef over time. Many kitchens and restaurants offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and sometimes tuition assistance for further culinary education. Demonstrating strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn can significantly enhance your advancement prospects within the culinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chef, you need basic culinary skills, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Experience with kitchen tools, food preparation equipment, and safe handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help you succeed. These skills ensure you can prepare dishes efficiently, contribute positively to kitchen operations, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and cooperation.

How to get an entry level chef job with no experience?

To secure an entry-level chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in food service settings. Building a strong work ethic, demonstrating enthusiasm, and obtaining relevant certifications like food safety can improve your chances; some employers also value a willingness to learn and adaptability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Chef jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:

Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,051 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Berenjak Prep Cook - Soho House Chicago

Soho House & Co.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

We're excited to bring Berenjak to Chicago. Inspired by the beloved neighborhood kebab houses of Tehran, Berenjak is a place where incredible food, genuine hospitality, and bringing people together around the table are at the heart of everything we do. As we prepare to open our doors, we're looking for passionate, and dedicated people to join our founding team. Whether you're welcoming guests, crafting memorable dining experiences, or working behind the scenes, every role is an important part of creating a restaurant where both our guests and our team feel truly cared for.
The Role...
At Soho House, the Prep Cook perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise. To be successful as a Prep Cook, you should understand and be willing to comply with food and sanitation guidelines and regulations, be quick and diligent, and willing to improve on the job. You should be able to follow instructions and work in a fast-paced environment, and hopefully enjoy the stability of performing repetitive motions!
Main Duties
  • Following prep lists created by chefs.
  • Measuring ingredients and seasonings and preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process.
  • Uniformly chopping produce and preparing meats.
  • Preparing simple dishes, such as entrees or salads.
  • Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.
  • Setting up all condiments
  • Making sure all prep stations are full and ready for service - and fully operational during service.
  • Making sure the bread warmer is always organized and full.
  • Completing assigned side work before and after service.
  • Help the porters with trash removal.
  • Helping with expediting food orders for kitchen and servers.
  • Make sure the prep and pass area is always tidy - clean and organized
  • Prepping for service as needed by Chefs and Management
  • Completing all checklists to standard.
  • Work as a team, helping others as needed.
  • Working closely with Kitchen.
  • Properly stocking work areas.
  • Maintaining clean work areas.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Kitchen or Food and Beverage supervisor/manager.

Required Skills/Qualifications
  • 2+ years experience.
  • Basic verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Demonstrated knife skills and understanding of kitchen environments.
  • Flexible schedule.
  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment.

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands.
  • Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours.
  • Fast paced movements are required to go from one part of the club to others.
  • Must be able to move, pull, carry, or lift at least 40 pounds.
  • Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required.

Why work with us...
Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks. Whether you're seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to enhance your career.
  • Health Care + 401K: Full time employees are eligible for full benefits; Medical, Dental & Vision as well as Retirement fund with a 2% match
  • Paid Time Off: Full- Time Employees have sick day's + vacation days
  • Career Development: Soho House can progress your career domestically or internationally as well as managerially or technically
  • Soho Impact: Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship, local outreach and sustainability
  • Learning & Development: An extensive range of internally and externally run courses are available for all employees.
  • Cookhouse & House Tonic: Celebrating our passion for food and drink. Check out our monthly calendars and get involved in trips, training's and events. Available to all.
  • Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to.
  • Team Meal: Whilst on duty in our Houses & Restaurants you will be provided with a substantial meal free of charge.

In accordance with Illinois law, the salary range for this role if filled within Chicago is listed below. The range for the position in other geographies may vary based on market differences. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
Pay Range
$24.50-$24.50 USD

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