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Food Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

Craft

Food & Beverage Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Chicago, IL Crafty's Food & Beverage Associates are the face of our in-office Concierge pantry program. They are the human element and the friendly face that leads client-site execution on a daily ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Associate - Part Time

Chicago, IL

$18 - $20/hr

The Food Safety Associate ensures a sustainable, safe, clean, and functional environment in the CookUnity Commissary. Responsibilities: * Monitor food production and ensure all Chefs are adhering to ...

Adecco

Food Quality Associate - Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

We are currently hiring Food Quality Associates immediately for a leading local client in Joliet, IL. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the preparation of fresh meal kits ...

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All JobsFood Associate JobsFood Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do food associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food associate in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Associate vs Food Clerk?

AspectFood AssociateFood Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentGrocery stores, supermarkets, food production facilitiesGrocery stores, supermarkets, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in retail and food service industriesOften used interchangeably with Food Associate in retail settings

The main difference between a Food Associate and a Food Clerk lies in their job scope and terminology. Food Associates typically have broader responsibilities in food handling and customer service, while Food Clerks often focus on cashiering and stocking. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar environments, but the title may vary by employer. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target the right positions in the food retail industry.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Associate job openings:

Food Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,796 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Kelley's Market | Kelley Williamson Company

Island Lake, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

Company: Kelley's Market

Location: Island Lake

Address: 3401 S River Road, Island Lake IL 60042


Position: Food Service Associate

Reports To: Station Manager


About Kelley's Market

Join a company with deep roots and big opportunities! Since 1926, Kelley's Market has been serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin as a family-owned convenience store chain. As an ExxonMobil distributor, we're continuously growing and innovating to meet our customers' needs with new products, services, and technology. We pride ourselves on offering top-quality products underscored with outstanding service-and that starts with our team.


What You'll Do

The Food Service Associate plays a key role in helping us deliver top-quality food and an outstanding customer experience. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked food-service environment while serving customers in a friendly and efficient manner. The Food Service Associate may receive guidance and direction from Lead team members and reports directly to the Assistant Manager(s) and Station Manager. You will:

Deliver Outstanding Food & Service

Prepare, assemble, and serve fresh food and beverages that meet brand and safety standards

Provide fast, friendly, and courteous service that creates positive guest experiences

Operate food prep equipment and POS systems accurately and safely

Stay current on menu offerings, pricing, and promotions to assist customers and support sales

Keep Our Food Areas Clean & Safe

Maintain cleanliness of all food service areas including prep stations, counters, equipment, dining areas, and restrooms

Restock and rotate food items, condiments, utensils, and beverages using FIFO practices

Follow all food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures in compliance with company and health department guidelines

Alert management to any food safety concerns, equipment issues, or supply shortages

Support Smooth Operations

Complete assigned tasks including temperature logs, equipment cleaning, and station checklists

Accurately process transactions at the register and maintain proper cash handling

Maintain accurate timekeeping and communicate shift updates or concerns to leadership

Take ownership of daily routines and contribute to a smooth-running food service experience

Work as Part of Our Team

Collaborate effectively with team members and take direction from leadership

Uphold all safety and security procedures in food prep and customer interaction

Contribute to a positive team culture that values cleanliness, quality, and fast service


What We Offer

Competitive Compensation

The hiring range for this position is $15 to $18 per hour and may be based on education, work experience, knowledge, skills and certifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

Medical & Dental (BlueCross), Vision (EyeMed)

Flexible Savings Account (FSA)

Voluntary Life and AD&D

Voluntary Short-Term Disability

401(k) Plan with Annual Matching

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

Vacation Time 

Personal Time

Illinois Paid Leave

Six Paid Holidays

Additional Perks

Employee discounts on store products

Clean, modern, and well-maintained work environment

Opportunities for advancement within our growing organization


*Benefit eligibility may vary based on position, hours worked, and length of employment. Select benefits may not be eligible until specific milestones have been met. Consult with your Hiring Manager for more information. 


Ready to make a real difference with your leadership skills? Apply today to join the Kelley Williamson team!

Requirements

What's Required:

Must be at least 16 years of age. In select market(s), hiring age may be 18+.  

Ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail/food-service environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Basic math skills and the ability to handle cash and operate a point-of-sale (POS) system accurately.

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally, and to stand for extended periods.


Preferred Experience:

Prior experience in a convenience store, gas station, or retail environment.

Prior experience in a fast-food or QSR environment.

Experience handling cash and completing shift reports or basic bookkeeping tasks.

Apply