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Entry Level Food Service Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are currently hiring Food Quality Associates immediately for a leading local client in Joliet ... No prior experience necessary--entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply! * Ability to read ...

About this role We are hiring entry-level Financial Sales Consultants to join our remote team. In ... Any customer-facing role -- retail, hospitality, food service, tutoring * Student athletes or ...

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and timely meal service. * Follow HAACP food ...

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and timely meal service. * Follow HAACP food ...

About this role We're hiring entry-level Financial Sales Consultants for our remote team. You'll ... Any customer-facing role -- retail, hospitality, food service, tutoring * Student athletes or ...

About this role We're hiring entry-level Financial Sales Consultants for our remote team. You'll ... Any customer-facing role -- retail, hospitality, food service, tutoring * Student athletes or ...

Nutrition Services Aide

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16 - $18.55/hr

Food Handler certificationrequiredor obtained within30 daysof hire * Entry level or food service preferred * Good customer relations * Able and willing to follow instructions Work Shift Details:

Nutrition Services Aide

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16 - $18.55/hr

Food Handler certificationrequiredor obtained within30 daysof hire * Entry level or food service preferred * Good customer relations * Able and willing to follow instructions Work Shift Details:

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and timely meal service. * Follow HAACP food ...

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and timely meal service. * Follow HAACP food ...

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... Ensure food quality, presentation, portion control, and timely meal service. * Follow HAACP food ...

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Entry Level Food Service information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do entry level food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food service in Chicago, IL is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level food service jobs?

Entry level food service jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no previous experience. These jobs often include roles such as cashier, server, dishwasher, host, or fast food worker. Employees in these positions are responsible for tasks like taking orders, preparing food, cleaning, and providing customer service. Entry level food service jobs are a great way to gain experience, learn important skills, and start a career in hospitality or the restaurant industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food service worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Service worker, you typically need basic food safety knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you work efficiently and provide a positive dining experience. These skills are essential for maintaining food quality, ensuring customer satisfaction, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food service workers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level food service workers often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and providing excellent customer service under pressure. To overcome these challenges, it's important to communicate clearly with your team, stay organized, and remain calm during busy periods. Many employers also provide training and mentoring to help new employees build confidence and learn best practices quickly.

How to start working in entry level food service?

To start working in entry level food service, you should look for job openings at local restaurants, cafes, or fast-food establishments and submit an application. Having a positive attitude, good communication skills, and basic food safety knowledge can improve your chances; some positions may require a food handler's permit or similar certification. Being flexible with shifts and willing to learn can also help you get started in this industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Service job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,763 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Food Service Student Worker

Sodexo

Palatine, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 494 rated business services


Job description

Food Service Student Worker


Location: WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE - 42335003

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Part-time

Pay Range: $15.75 - $16.50


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 

What You'll Do: As a Food Service Student Worker at Sodexo, you are also a pair of helping hands and an eager learner. You will work under the direct supervision of on-site Sodexo management and will serve in a role as mutually agreed upon.


Responsibilities include:

  • May work in a variety of locations and vocations around the school campus, including food service, facilities (cleaning), and offices (clerical/marketing) on client premises. 
  • Executes assigned job duties for the agreed upon role, duties could include cooking and/or serving food, clerical work, or cleaning.   
  • Assists in daily operations and may be assigned special projects
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • Must be a current student at the school of the work location that Sodexo is partnering with 


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.



Employment Type: ENTRY_LEVEL

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