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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

AbbVie

Grill Cook - (M-F 5:30am - 2pm)

Mettawa, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

... entry level culinarian, the role may assume prep, grill - lunch or breakfast, deli or entree line ... Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Comfortable handling ...

Metra

Electrician AC Eng

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in ... In addition to #1, able to climb ladders, structures, poles and work in aerial position from a line ...

Metra

Electrician AC Eng

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in ... In addition to #1, able to climb ladders, structures, poles and work in aerial position from a line ...

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All JobsLine Cook JobsEntry Level Line Cook JobsEntry Level Line Cook Jobs in Cary, IL

Entry Level Line Cook information

See Cary, IL salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do entry level line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Cary, IL is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a restaurant cook if I have no job experience?

Entry level line cook positions typically do not require prior professional experience, as employers often provide on-the-job training. Having basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important for starting in this role.

What are some common challenges new entry-level line cooks face, and how can they overcome them?

New entry-level line cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently under pressure, mastering kitchen equipment quickly, and accurately following recipes in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and actively seek feedback from more experienced cooks. Building good time management skills and being open to learning will help you adapt quickly and become a valuable member of the kitchen team.

Can I get a cooking job with no experience?

Entry level line cook positions often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as the ability to follow instructions, work efficiently, and maintain cleanliness are important. Certifications like a food handler's permit can also improve chances of hiring.

How to become a line cook with no experience?

To become an entry-level line cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply to restaurants that offer on-the-job training and demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn during interviews.

What are entry level line cooks?

Entry level line cooks are kitchen staff who assist in the preparation and cooking of food under the supervision of chefs or more experienced cooks. They typically work at specific stations, such as grilling, sautéing, or assembling dishes, and are responsible for following recipes, preparing ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness in their work area. These positions are often the starting point for a culinary career, offering opportunities to learn kitchen techniques and gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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

AspectEntry Level Line CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen stations during servicePrepping ingredients before service, often in a separate area
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, hotelsRestaurants, catering, hotels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Line Cooks and Prep Cooks both require basic culinary skills and work in restaurant kitchens. The main difference is that Line Cooks work during service at specific stations, while Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients beforehand. Both roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

Are line cooks entry-level?

Line cooks are often considered entry-level positions in the culinary industry, suitable for individuals with basic cooking skills and a willingness to learn. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and some require minimal prior experience, making it accessible for beginners. Advancement typically involves gaining experience and developing specialized skills or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Line Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Line Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and common culinary tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, the ability to follow directions, and time management are vital soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen efficiency, food safety, and delivering a consistent dining experience.
What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs? Cities near Cary, IL with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:
Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Cary, 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 $36,095 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Grill Cook - (M-F 5:30am - 2pm)

Grill Cook - (M-F 5:30am - 2pm)

AbbVie

Mettawa, IL • On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

Position performs as an entry level culinarian, the role may assume prep, grill - lunch or breakfast, deli or entree line responsibilities within the kitchen. Contribute to operational success by following all standards for sanitation and preparation to ensure that food product is of the highest quality in taste and appearance, while satisfy guest expectations.                                                                                                                                                    

Responsibilities:

Reports to Senior Chef or designated kitchen lead including but not limited to;  Sous Chef, catering lead or member of management team. Assists with the preparation of food service for Cafe and catering, could include preparing breakfast or lunch short order grill items, and/or preparing items for full service deli. Maintains consistent, efficient service during peak hours.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards.  Comfortable handling basic kitchen tools, such as knives and slicing machines. Knows basic kitchen terms and is familiar with standard kitchen equipment.                                                                                                                                                        

Maintain cleanliness of the work area. Demonstrate a practical understanding of kitchen sanitation and cleanliness. Ensures all product is cooked and served according to recipe specifications and food safety/sanitation practices                                                                                                                                                              

Possess language skills, with an ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and operating/procedure manuals. Additionally, is able to comprehend basic kitchen math, with an ability to add, subtract, and/or divide in all units of measure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Thoroughly completes all station set-up and breakdown responsibilities.   Performs other related duties as assigned by a Senior Chef, Sous Chef, or supporting management.  

Qualifications

Qualifications:

1 - 2 years of culinary experience.

Corporate Dining or Contract foodservice operations experience - highly desirable. Catering experience a plus. High volume batch cooking experience.

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification is preferred.

Must be able to lift 50 pounds, walk up to one mile and stand for up to 4 hours consecutively.

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at  the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors  including  geographic location, and we may ultimately  pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be  modified in the future. 

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to  participate in our short-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is  considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned,  vested,  and determinable. The amount and availability of  any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a   particular employee  remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be  modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion,  consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie employees say

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013

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