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

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 strong desire to learn and grow in the culinary world. Bring your high energy, enthusiasm, and ...

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a strong desire to learn and grow in the culinary world. Bring your high energy, enthusiasm, and ...

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 strong desire to learn and grow in the culinary world. Bring your high energy, enthusiasm, and ...

Join our exceptional team as an Entry Level Cook. We are seeking a passionate individual with a strong desire to learn and grow in the culinary world. Bring your high energy, enthusiasm, and ...

Entry Level Kitchen Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $17.50/hr

ENTRY LEVEL KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER GOURMET GORILLA Our mission is to strive for a sustainable future ... Large scale batch cooking: Particularly sauces, meats, pasta, and other main entrees * Follow cook ...

Entry Level Kitchen Member

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $17.50/hr

ENTRY LEVEL KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER GOURMET GORILLA Our mission is to strive for a sustainable future ... Large scale batch cooking: Particularly sauces, meats, pasta, and other main entrees * Follow cook ...

New

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

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

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 ...

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 Cooks information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do entry level cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cooks in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cooks job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd 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

Workplace

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