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

Operations Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Your Job KCBX Terminals Company is looking for an entry-level Operations Technician to join our ... At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our ...

This is not an entry level position. We are looking for a professional line cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line cook duties will consist of ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Cook 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Mandarin Sales Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

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

Mandarin Sales Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

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

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

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

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication, and let ...

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication, and let ...

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication, and let ...

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication, and let ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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Entry Level Chef information

See Wheeling, IL salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Wheeling, IL is $25.50, 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 Wheeling, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Wheeling, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,037 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Operations Technician

Koch Industries

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
KCBX Terminals Company is looking for an entry-level Operations Technician to join our team in Chicago, IL. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are eager to learn, have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude to develop industrial operations skills, and build a long-term career in a bulk material handling environment.
As an Operations Technician, you will receive hands-on training and development opportunities while learning terminal operations, equipment operation, maintenance practices, and safety procedures. You will work alongside experienced team members to develop skills operating both light and heavy equipment, supporting material transfer operations, and maintaining safe and reliable terminal performance.
This position follows a rotating shift schedule that supports 24/7 operations and includes both day and night shifts. Employees receive their schedules in advance.
Our Team
Koch Minerals, LLC and its subsidiaries are among the world's largest dry-bulk commodity handlers, serving over 900 customers in the power generation and chemical industrial sectors and municipalities.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
What You Will Do
  • Transfer and handle bulk materials safely and efficiently.
  • Operate locomotives and rail equipment within the facility.
  • Operate skid steers, bobcats, and other mobile equipment.
  • Load and unload products from barges, vessels, railcars, and trucks.
  • Complete daily safety, environmental, and compliance activities.
  • Perform routine inspections and basic equipment troubleshooting.
  • Maintain accurate operational records and reports using Microsoft Office.
  • Collaborate with team members to support safe and reliable operations.
  • Participate in training, emergency response, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Support housekeeping and general facility maintenance activities.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Must have or willing to obtain a TWIC Card
  • Must have a valid driver's license

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform manual labor (shoveling, lifting up to 50 lbs.)
  • Ability to use sledgehammer and pinch bar
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Ability to work outdoors in various types of weather
  • Shift work with rotating 8/10/12 hour schedule; must arrive to work on time
  • Ability to work mandatory overtime hours for vessel loading
  • Ability to work in a standing, crouching, or bending position for prolonged periods of time

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Bilingual - English and Spanish
  • Experience working in heavy industry, chemical production, or military experience
  • Experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.
  • Locomotive or rail industry experience.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
For this role, we anticipate paying $19.00 - $21.00 per hour. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
Koch Minerals, LLC and its subsidiaries are among the world's largest dry-bulk commodity handlers, serving over 900 customers in the power generation and chemical industrial sectors and municipalities. Koch Minerals also markets and trades more than 40 million tons of product annually. Subsidiaries include:
• Koch Carbon, LLC globally trades and transports petroleum coke, coal, cement, pulp and paper, sulfur and other related commodities through a network of bulk terminals in the United States and Europe.
• KCBX Terminals Company, a subsidiary of Koch Carbon, owns and operates the KCBX Terminal in Chicago. The terminal provides docking and loading services for petroleum coke, coal, salt, slag, cement, clinker, and ocean freight. Additionally, the company provides trading, handling, and transportation services.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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