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Entry Level Cooks Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Cook - Late Night Shift

Champaign, 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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Lunch/Afternoon Shift

Naperville, 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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Lunch/Afternoon Shift

Glen Ellyn, 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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Bloomingdale, 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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Bloomingdale, 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 ...

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All JobsCooks JobsEntry Level Cooks JobsEntry Level Cooks Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Cooks information

What is the difference between Entry Level Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectEntry Level CooksLine Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic cooking skillsSimilar; often requires experience or training
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchens, entry-level positionsHigh-volume restaurants, busy kitchen stations
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentEntry Level Cooks vs Line CooksSimilar roles in culinary industry

Entry Level Cooks and Line Cooks often share similar work environments and credentials, with Entry Level Cooks typically being newcomers to the kitchen. Line Cooks usually have more experience and handle specific kitchen stations. Both roles are essential in restaurant operations, but Line Cooks tend to work in busier, more specialized settings.

Can I get an entry level cook job with no experience?

Entry level cook positions often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as food safety knowledge and the ability to follow instructions can improve chances of hiring, even without previous work experience. Certifications like a food handler's permit can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Cooks jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Cooks job openings:

Entry Level Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cooks job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Army Cooks *No Experience Necessary*

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion

Decatur, IL

$12.50 - $26.92/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

**THIS JOB REQUIRES ENLISTING/JOINING THE U.S. ARMY**

This is an entry-level position with no experience necessary. When you enlist into the Army as an Army Cook, you become a part of a team of Soldiers. As a Soldier you secure your future with a career in the Active Duty Army (full-time) and are able to take advantage of all the benefits that serving in the Army gives you. You gain leadership skills, college credit, and job-security by enlisting into the Army that is hard to find in the civilian sector. The culinary specialist is primarily responsible for the preparation and service of food in field or garrison foodservice operations.

Job Duties:

 

  • Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam, and saut as prescribed by Army recipes
  • Operate, maintain, and clean field kitchen equipment
  • Perform preventive maintenance on garrison and field kitchen equipment
  • Attend Basic and Advanced Training (paid)

Basic Qualifications:

  • Age - 17 to 34 years old
  • Education - Current Senior in High School(HS), HS Diploma, GED, GED equivalent, or higher education level completed
  • Citizenship - U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident
  • Submit to background and medical screening
  • Receive a passing score on the ASVAB

Benefits:

  • Enlistment bonus up to $40,000, varies by job and individual qualifications
  • Education benefits
    • Tuition Assistance ($4,000 annually) / GI Bill (up to $108,000 for 36 months of attending college)
  • Paid training (Basic and Advanced)
  • 30 days of paid vacation earned every year
  • Additional living expenses for those who have dependents
  • Various lengths of contracts available from 2 years to 6 years normally

This is a position in the Army Reserves. In order to qualify you must meet the minimum requirements to enlist in the United States Army. 

These include, but are not limited to:

Age between 17-34 years old
Ability to pass an extensive background check with no significant law charges (waivers are authorized on a case-by-case basis)
Ability to pass an extensive medical exam including full panel drug testing to ensure fitness to enlist in the military and attend basic training
Attaining qualifying test scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB)

Required qualifications:
  • 17 years or older
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Drug screening
  • Background check
  • Speaks English
  • Reads English
  • At least high school diploma or equivalent or higher

Apply