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Entry Level Kitchen Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Tiger Correctional Services

Kitchen Supervisor

Marion, IL · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Kitchen Supervisor * Location: Williamson County Jail - 404 N Van Buren St. Marion, IL 62959 ... This a full-time, non-exempt, entry level position. Paid training is provided. Responsibilities

Food2You Maplewood Inc

Kitchen Assistant (Cook)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

A. Entry Level Cook Operational: * Follows recipes and production sheets accurately * Prepares ingredients (washing, chopping, portioning) * Uses basic kitchen equipment safely * Works under direct ...

Niku Japanese Kitchen

Be Seen First

Food Runner+Dishwasher

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

The Food Runner+Dishwasher plays a vital role in ensuring smooth kitchen and dining operations in a ... Attention to detail in both service and cleanliness Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level ...

New

Niku Japanese Kitchen

Be Seen First

Food Runner+Dishwasher

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

The Food Runner+Dishwasher plays a vital role in ensuring smooth kitchen and dining operations in a ... Attention to detail in both service and cleanliness Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level ...

New

Sedgebrook

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... fast-paced, high volume kitchen environment. * Culinary training preferred. * Servsafe ...

New

Heritage at Irene Woods

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... fast-paced, high volume kitchen environment. * Culinary training preferred. * Servsafe ...

New

Life Care Services

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... fast-paced, high volume kitchen environment. * Culinary training preferred. * Servsafe ...

New

Life Care Services

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... fast-paced, high volume kitchen environment. * Culinary training preferred. * Servsafe ...

New

The Arlington of Naples

Entry-Level Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Title : Entry-Level Cook Pay: $18.00-20.00 per hour (based on experience) + benefits and perks! Job ... fast-paced, high volume kitchen environment. * Culinary training preferred. * Servsafe ...

New

California Pizza Kitchen

Host

Schaumburg, IL

This is an entry level position. We look forward to meeting you! California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment based on race ...

California Pizza Kitchen

Host

Oak Brook, IL

This is an entry level position. We look forward to meeting you! California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment based on race ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Kitchen information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do entry level kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level kitchen in Illinois is $14.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectEntry Level KitchenLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingSimilar credentials; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, assisting with prep and basic tasksCooking on the line, preparing dishes during service
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in restaurants, hotels, cateringMid-level position in kitchens, often requiring some experience

Entry Level Kitchen roles focus on basic kitchen tasks and prep work, serving as an introduction to culinary work. Line Cooks are more experienced, responsible for cooking dishes during service. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments, but Line Cooks typically require more skills and experience.

Can I work in an entry level kitchen with no experience?

Entry level kitchen positions often do not require prior experience and are suitable for beginners. Employers typically look for a willingness to learn, good work ethic, and the ability to follow instructions; basic skills like knife handling and food safety knowledge can be learned on the job. Certifications such as a food handler's permit may be required or preferred.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety guidelines, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, sanitation procedures, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food safety standards, and support a positive working environment.

What is the easiest job in an entry level kitchen?

The easiest job in an entry-level kitchen is often a dishwasher or dish pit worker, as it requires minimal skills and involves basic tasks like cleaning dishes and kitchenware. These roles typically do not require prior experience and may have flexible schedules, making them accessible for beginners.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level kitchen staff and how can they be overcome?

Entry level kitchen staff often face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning to follow strict food safety protocols. It's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and be open to feedback from more experienced colleagues. Consistent practice, asking questions when unsure, and being adaptable can help new team members quickly build confidence and improve their performance.

How to start working in an entry level kitchen with no experience?

To start working in an entry level kitchen with no experience, apply for positions such as dishwasher, prep cook, or entry-level cook, which often require minimal skills. Gaining basic knowledge of food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen tools can improve your chances, and being willing to learn and work flexible hours is important for entry-level roles.

What is an entry level kitchen job?

Entry level kitchen jobs are positions in restaurant or food service kitchens that require little to no previous experience. Common roles include dishwasher, prep cook, or kitchen assistant. These jobs involve basic tasks such as washing dishes, prepping ingredients, cleaning, and assisting chefs or cooks. Entry level kitchen jobs are a great way to learn fundamental kitchen skills, gain experience in the food industry, and advance to higher positions over time.

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

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:

Entry Level Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Kitchen job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,055 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Kitchen Supervisor

Tiger Correctional Services

Marion, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Information

  • Job Title: Kitchen Supervisor
  • Location: Williamson County Jail – 404 N Van Buren St. Marion, IL 62959
  • Kitchen Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm; must have weekend availability
  • Pay: $15.00 per hour PLUS BENEFITS
  • Benefits: 100% Company paid Employee Medical, Dental, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance. Paid time off available after 90 days of employment.

*Must be at least 21 years of age*

**This position does require a very thorough/strict background check**

Position Summary

Tiger Correctional Services is looking for a kitchen supervisor to oversee and administer food service operations and ensure health & sanitation standards are in compliance with company and jail policy and federal, state and local law. This a full-time, non-exempt, entry level position. Paid training is provided.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare meals in accordance with established recipes & menus.
  • Maintain sanitary & safe conditions and equipment to comply with federal & state standards.
  • Assign & oversee the work of facility-provided labor.
  • Conduct daily inventory and maintain tracking logs.
  • Responsible for kitchen stock levels and reorders.
  • Perform quality checks as required.
  • Establish a professional work relationship with company employees, jail administration and facility-provided labor while upholding our company values.
  • Responsible for compliance & administration of all security procedures identified by the company and jail administration.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Skills

  • Excellent cooking skills
  • Dependable and able to meet deadlines.
  • Adhere to Tiger Correctional safety policies and procedures, including proper food safety and sanitation.
  • Ability to work well with others and have good oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to read.
  • Good computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets.
  • Physical requirements include standing 3-4 hours at a time and frequent lifting of 50 pounds.
  • Must have the ability to perform basic math of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Remote work is not allowed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Background check and drug screen is required to ensure applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the assigned customer/location.