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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kelley's Market

Food Service Associate

Island Lake, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Food Service Associate Reports To: Station Manager About Kelley's Market Join a company with deep ... food prep equipment and POS systems accurately and safely Stay current on menu offerings, pricing ...

Schulte Companies

Cook/Food Prep/Dish Steward

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Free Telemedicine and Virtual Mental Health care access for All Associates starting day one ... Prepares food according to specifications for breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquets * Maintains ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Salad Prep Team Member

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Wash and prep produce and chicken for production into salads and wraps, assemble all prep items ... associate, crew, team member, food service, worker, part time, part-time, p/t, full time ...

Schulte

Cook/Food Prep/Dish Steward

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Free Telemedicine and Virtual Mental Health care access for All Associates starting day one ... Prepares food according to specifications for breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquets * Maintains ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Salad Prep Team Member

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Wash and prep produce and chicken for production into salads and wraps, assemble all prep items ... associate, crew, team member, food service, worker, part time, part-time, p/t, full time ...

HelloFresh

Kitchen Associate

Aurora, IL

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are ... Perform cold food prep (chopping, slicing, portioning) * Portion ingredients into individual food ...

HelloFresh

Kitchen Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are ... Perform cold food prep (chopping, slicing, portioning) * Portion ingredients into individual food ...

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Food Prep Associate information

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How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep 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 a food prep associate?

Food Prep Associates are workers responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and following food safety procedures. They support chefs and cooks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service. This role is essential for keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and safely.

What are some common challenges food prep associates face during busy meal times?

Food Prep Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing time efficiently, keeping workstations organized, and maintaining food safety standards can be challenging when orders are coming in quickly. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is crucial to ensure orders are accurate and timely. Adapting to changing priorities and staying calm under pressure are essential skills for success in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Prep Associate, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational success.

What is the difference between Food Prep Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssociateKitchen Helper
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, following recipesAssisting with basic kitchen tasks, cleaning, and supporting cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; food safety certificationsMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar settings, often in fast-paced kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants and food serviceOften used interchangeably with Food Prep Associate in entry-level roles

While both roles support kitchen operations, Food Prep Associates focus more on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, whereas Kitchen Helpers assist with basic tasks and cleaning. The roles often overlap, but Food Prep Associates typically require some food safety knowledge and specific prep skills, making them slightly more specialized.

How to become a food prep associate?

To become a food prep associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or kitchen work. Basic skills include knowledge of food safety practices, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment. Some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Prep Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep 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.

Compounding Prep Associate

The Visual Pak Companies

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Join the PAK
The Visual Pak Companies are aligned with many of the largest consumer product companies in the household, personal care, automotive and food product industries.
30 years of consistent growth with no end in sight is a testament to our best-in-class workforce as the foundation for our collective success. The Visual Pak is looking for innovative and dedicated achievers who are encouraged to keep a healthy work/life balance to join our team.
Compounding Prep Associate
The Compounding Prep Associate is responsible for operating a variety of pumps that transfer liquids, semi-solids, gases, or powdered materials from the mixing tanks to the storage tanks. The associate is also responsible for proper cleaning, sanitation and upkeep of the mixing and storage tanks and all associated equipment, hoses, clamps, pumps etc.
Direct Reports
Individual contributor
Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables
  • Perform related duties and projects as assigned by management.
  • Works directly with the Compounding Supervisor to coordinate and implement all directives in a positive and professional manner for compounding and production.
  • Safely loads, unloads, and transfers chemicals from rail cars, tankers, totes, and drums to holding tanks for production.
  • Observes pressure gauges and flow meters and adjusts valves to regulate speed of pumps and control pressure and rate of flow of materials.
  • Maintains pumps and lines by replacing filters and gaskets, tightening connections, and adjusting pumps.
  • Collects samples of rinse water and material for lab analysis
  • Record product temperature, quantities and/or levels in storage tanks
  • Inventories contents of storage tanks
  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of all mixing and storage tanks in accordance with all company SOP's.
  • Follow 5s and safety policies and procedures.
  • Will be trained to operate forklift.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Number of blends transferred per shift.
  • Length of time for cleaning and sanitizing tanks
  • Blends transferred on time for production.

Benefits:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) match
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid time-off
  • Paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Subsidy
  • Childcare Resources
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Disability Insurance
  • Employee Discounts

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities
Education:
  • A High School Diploma (or GED) with experience is required.

Experience:
  • 1+ years' experience required related to using valves, piping, pumps, and processing equipment.
  • Experience with an ERP system in a manufacturing environment a plus.
  • Shown ability to excel in results-oriented, challenging environment.
  • Skilled at problem solving, decision-making, prioritizing work, organizing, and getting the necessary information from relevant sources.

Communication:
  • Strong communication, problem solving, decision-making, prioritization, and organization skills.
  • Bi-lingual Spanish is helpful.

Technology/Software:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to lift to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to stand / walk for an entire eight-hour shift. Able to climb tank stairs, operate valves, pumps, and gauges.
  • Must be able to pass respirator fit test.
  • Regular and constant use of finger, hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder.
  • The work environment is a warehouse floor with many noises, beeping, and other mechanical devices.
  • Able to see properly to fulfill expectations of position.

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.
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About Visual Pak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waukegan, IL, US

Year founded

1982

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