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First Line Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

New Lenox, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Kildeer, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Saint Charles, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Naperville, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Oak Lawn, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Kildeer, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Morton Grove, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Oak Park, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Line Cook

Burr Ridge, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences ... Team first attitude and passion for high quality food * Able to stand and move for long periods ...

Showing results 41-60

First Line Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do first line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for first line cook in Chicago, IL is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you work as a first line cook with no experience?

First line cook positions often do not require prior experience, as many restaurants provide on-the-job training to teach cooking techniques, safety procedures, and kitchen operations. However, having basic culinary knowledge or related skills can improve chances of hiring and success in the role.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, candidates should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and often complete a food handler's certification. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve chances, and strong teamwork and communication skills are essential in fast-paced kitchen environments.

Is being a first line cook a good first job?

A first line cook position can be a suitable first job in the culinary industry, providing experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, and teamwork. It often requires working in fast-paced environments, developing skills such as time management and knife techniques, and may involve early morning or evening shifts.

Line Cook

Saint Charles, IL โ€ข On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Set up and maintain the station to ensure smooth operation during each shift

  • Follow recipes, control portions, and ensure proper presentation of dishes

  • Communicate effectively with team members and managers to coordinate kitchen activities


Job description

At Cooper’s Hawk, our Line Cooks do more than follow recipes. They craft unforgettable experiences, one plate at a time. With precision, urgency, and pride, you will help turn our high standards into something truly special for every guest. This is where culinary skill meets connection, and where every dish has the potential to create a lasting memory.

Compensation range: $18.00-23.00/hour
Pay offered is determined by skills, qualifications, and experience. 

What You Will Get

  • 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events 
  • Monthly Wine Tastings for Two 
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth 
  • 401k with Company Match 
  • Paid Time Off and Flexible Schedules 
  • Early Pay Access 
  • Wellness and Mental Health Support 
  • Wine and Culinary Education 
  • Career Growth Flight Plan 
  • Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition, and Referral Bonuses 

What You Will Do

Show Up Ready: Come prepared, stay sharp, and start strong.

  • Set up your station for success and keep it running smoothly through every shift
  • Follow recipes, control portions, and nail presentation every time
  • Properly use the KDS system to manage cook times, while preparing and multitasking several dishes at a time.

Own What You See: Take responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done.

  • Keep your area clean, stocked, and safe
  • Stay sharp and step in where needed to support the kitchen

Stay in Sync: Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing.

  • Communicate clearly with teammates and managers
  • Work as one team to time dishes and keep the line flowing

Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience.

  • Take pride in every plate because it reflects your craft
  • Cook with care, even if you never meet the guest

Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.

  • Handle the little things that make a big impact, from clean equipment to an organized walk in

What You Will Bring

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Six months or more of line cook experience in upscale casual restaurants or similar
  • Strong knife skills and basic cooking knowledge
  • Ability to multitask, stay organized, and work in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Team first attitude and passion for high quality food
  • Able to stand and move for long periods, lift 50 pounds, and work weekends or holidays
  • Ability to read, understand and communicate in English

Cooper’s Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper’s Hawk.   

Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.   

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. 

About Us

Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.