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Entry Level Food Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Job Summary Entry level food service position responsible for general cleaning, washing, dish washing, loading/unloading, cafeteria and serving line set up, and prep assistance. Essential ...

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer Job Type : Direct Hire Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 ... Support safety, quality, and food-safety compliance requirements. Qualifications Required

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Entry Level Food information

What is an entry level food job?

Entry level food jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no previous experience or specialized training. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, serving, cashiering, dishwashing, and assisting cooks or chefs. People in these jobs typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, or catering services, and they gain valuable experience that can help them advance to higher positions in the food service industry.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level food service position?

A typical day in an entry-level food service role usually involves preparing basic food items, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen or dining area, and assisting with customer service tasks such as taking orders or serving food. Employees often work as part of a team, collaborating closely with cooks, servers, and managers to ensure smooth operations. Entry-level staff are also responsible for following food safety protocols and may perform routine tasks like restocking supplies or handling simple cash register transactions. This role offers valuable experience in time management, teamwork, and customer interaction, laying the groundwork for future advancement in the food service industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level food service position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level food service role, basic food preparation skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and an understanding of food safety standards are generally required. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often expected. Strong teamwork, time management, and customer service skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure efficient service, maintain health standards, and contribute to positive customer experiences in the food industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food vs Food Service Worker?

AspectEntry Level FoodFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering servicesRestaurants, fast food outlets, cafeterias
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food production industriesWidely used in food service establishments and hospitality

Entry Level Food roles typically involve basic food preparation, cleaning, and customer service tasks. Food Service Worker positions are similar, focusing on serving customers, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting kitchen operations. Both roles require minimal experience and certifications, making them accessible entry points into the food industry. The main difference lies in specific job duties and work settings, but they often overlap in daily responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Food jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

DISHWASHER/LAVAPLATOS- 54th Street Restaurants

FIVE FOUR

Glen Carbon, IL โ€ข On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time
Pay: $14 - $17+
Schedule: Flexible, Full-time or Part-time, Overtime Available
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
The dishwasher position is a great entry position into the restaurant business with the ability to move up into a culinary position if desired. Promoting from within our ranks is a foundation of our success.
Our expansive menu incorporates high quality, fresh ingredients. We cook our menu items FROM SCRATCH with ingredients that we prep in-house every single day. As a dishwasher you will be introduced to entry level food prep.
BE PART OF A TEAM
Our kitchens are busy and because of this our wash equipment is expensive and efficient. It makes your job easier! We believe in executing at a high level in every position, through development, teamwork and leadership that creates teamwork unmatched in our industry. We have enough staff for every operating shift to ensure that when help is needed it's an arm's length away.
Five-Four Perks:
  • Free Meal for every shift worked
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO

All Locations are Now Hiring Dishwashers!
APPLY ONLINE NOW!
Kellan Restaurant Management Corp. is an equal opportunity employer.
?Tipo de trabajo: tiempo completo, tiempo parcial
Paga: $14 - $17+
Horario: flexible, a tiempo completo o parcial, horas extra disponibles
NO SE NECESITA EXPERIENCIA
La posiciรณn de lavaplatos es una excelente posiciรณn de entrada al negocio de los restaurantes con la capacidad de ascender a una posiciรณn culinaria si lo desea. El ascenso dentro de nuestras filas es la base de nuestro รฉxito.
Nuestro extenso menรบ incorpora ingredientes frescos de alta calidad. Cocinamos los alimentos de nuestro menรบ DESDE CERO con ingredientes que preparamos en casa todos los dรญas. Como lavaplatos, conocerรก la preparaciรณn basica de alimentos de nivel bรกsico.
SE PARTE DE UN EQUIPO
Nuestras cocinas estรกn ocupadas y, debido a esto, nuestro equipo de lavado es costoso y eficiente. ยกHace tu trabajo mรกs fรกcil! Creemos en la ejecuciรณn a un alto nivel, a travรฉs del desarrollo, el trabajo en equipo y el liderazgo que crea una camaraderรญa sin igual en nuestra industria. Contamos con personal suficiente para cada turno operativo para asegurarnos de que cuando se necesita ayuda esta al alcance de la mano.
Beneficios del Cinco-Cuatro:
  • Comida gratis por cada turno trabajado
  • Mรฉdico
  • Dental
  • Visiรณn
  • Tiempo Libre Pagado/PTO

ยกTodas las ubicaciones estรกn contratando lavaplatos!
ยกSOLICITE EN LรNEA AHORA!
Kellan Restaurant Management Corp. es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.