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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Streamwood, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Cook information

See Streamwood, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Streamwood, IL is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, gain basic cooking skills through culinary classes or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Build a strong work ethic, demonstrate reliability, and prepare a resume highlighting any kitchen experience or related skills to increase your chances of employment in a restaurant environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

Is cook 1 entry level?

Yes, a Cook 1 position is typically considered entry-level in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as food preparation and following recipes, and often serves as a starting point for a culinary career. Advancement may require gaining experience and developing additional skills like knife techniques or kitchen safety certifications.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher to learn kitchen operations. Applying for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you gain experience and develop necessary skills such as food safety and knife handling.

How much does a beginner cook make?

Entry-level cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Streamwood, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Streamwood, IL are:
What cities near Streamwood, IL are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities near Streamwood, IL with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Streamwood, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,936 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Senior Line Cook - Zombie Taco

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 108 rated hotels


Job description

Description

Summary:

Who We Are


Join White Lodging — a hospitality company operating premium hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants in top U.S. cities. We're hiring an experienced line cook who is ready to lead in a fast-paced kitchen environment and mentor the next generation of culinary talent.


Enjoy flexible scheduling, easy shift swapping via our app, and a career path with real growth across multiple hotel properties in your market.


Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

  • Mentor entry-level cooks and culinary apprentices; oversee daily prep and production
  • Execute back-of-house (BOH) operations following F&B procedures, health codes, and federal guidelines
  • Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation at all times
  • Help maintain food cost and labor cost targets
  • Check ingredient freshness; uphold recipe standards and portion-use records
  • Positively influence guest feedback through consistent food quality
  • Foster a respectful, cooperative team culture

What You'll Bring

  • Hands-on experience with commercial kitchen equipment
  • Proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery
  • Culinary degree or apprenticeship preferred — not required
  • Ability to stand and work at a fast pace for extended periods

Other information:

What You Can Look Forward To

  • DailyPay — get paid when you need it
  • Advanced scheduling with easy shift swapping via our app
  • Unlimited employee referral bonuses
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Leadership development & tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and travel
  • Growth opportunities across multiple hotel properties in your market
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Full-time associates also receive:
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance — starting day 1
    • Life and disability insurance
    • Paid parental leave

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.


Compensation starts at range between $27.00 and $27.00 per hour

What White Lodging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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