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

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

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

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

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

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Line Cook AM

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$23/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

New

Davidson Hospitality Group

Line Cook AM

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$23/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

New

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Line Cook AM

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$23/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

New

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Line Cook AM

Oak Brook, IL

$23/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

New

Davidson Hospitality Group

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.50/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.50/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.50/hr

Join our dynamic team and embark on a culinary journey filled with growth and learning opportunities. As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsEntry Level Culinary JobsEntry Level Culinary Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Culinary information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$34

How much do entry level culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level culinary in Chicago, IL is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level culinary jobs?

Entry level culinary jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no prior professional kitchen experience. These roles often include responsibilities such as food preparation, assisting chefs, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. Common job titles include prep cook, line cook, dishwasher, or kitchen assistant. Entry level culinary jobs are a great way to learn basic kitchen skills, gain hands-on experience, and start a career in the culinary field. Advancement is possible with experience, training, and dedication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level culinary professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Culinary professional, a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation is essential, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools, knives, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, efficient kitchen and delivering high-quality dishes to customers.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level culinary professionals in a commercial kitchen?

Entry-level culinary professionals often find the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen challenging, especially during peak service hours when multitasking is essential. Adapting to strict hygiene standards, learning efficient prep techniques, and communicating effectively with the kitchen team are also common hurdles. However, with time and practice, many newcomers quickly develop the stamina, organizational skills, and teamwork necessary to thrive and advance in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Culinary vs Entry Level Cook?

AspectEntry Level CulinaryEntry Level Cook
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary school preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training beneficial
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesKitchen settings in restaurants, cafes, hotels
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesPrimarily used in restaurant kitchens and food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring entry-level culinary roles and career pathsIndividuals seeking basic cooking positions in food service

Entry Level Culinary and Entry Level Cook roles often overlap, with both requiring similar credentials and work environments. The term 'Entry Level Culinary' may encompass a broader range of food service positions, including prep cooks and kitchen assistants, while 'Entry Level Cook' specifically refers to basic cooking roles. Both are ideal starting points for those interested in a culinary career in hospitality settings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Culinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Culinary job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,608 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Main Kitchen Steward

Chicago, IL • On-site

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO
Civic and Social Organizations • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGOexternal

$24.55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Main Kitchen Steward

Reports to: Culinary Management Team

Position Summary: Responsible for general and specific cleaning of the 6th floor kitchen. Also responsible for the upkeep of the equipment and assistance in food plate up, transportation, and dishwashing.

Essential Functions:
  • Washes all wares in dishwashing machine or by hand according to the highest sanitation standards
  • Polishes all silverware, platters and chafing dishes
  • Collects trash from kitchen areas; empties garbage cans and washes and relines with new bags; breaks down boxes, crates and removes debris
  • Examines garbage for misplaced silverware, dishes, glassware, and other reuseable items
  • Washes and polishes all stainless steel in the kitchen including shelves, dish cabinets, ice machines, coffee area, refrigerators, walkins, etc.
  • Washes and cleans receiving, trash, and other kitchenrelated areas
  • Sweeps and mops kitchen floors
  • Stores all dishes and other wares in proper areas
  • Cleans dish machine and dish area after each meal period
  • Assists in food preparations, storing food after delivery, and cleaning coolers, freezers and storerooms
  • Maintains inventories of soap, chemicals, and paper towels in respective areas
  • Transfer supplies and equipment between storage room/purchasing and work areas
  • Handles all china and glassware carefully to minimize breakage
  • Continuously inspect floors in kitchen areas to assure they remain clean, clear of debris, and dry
  • Assists in completing weekly kitchen cleaning and maintenance list
  • Cleans and safely stores all brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment in their proper places

    • Qualifications and Skills: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or any other combination of education, training, or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities.

    Experience: One year minimum customer service, retail, and/or entry level culinary experience.

    Additional Skills: Must have a professional demeanor with a willingness to take initiative. The physical demands for this position require the person to be able to stand for long periods of time, perform reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, and pulling motions and exerting a minimum force of up to 25lbs with an ability to lift up to 50lbs.

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