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

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member 1st Shift

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... food prep, chef, kitchen, host, hostess, dining room, maintenance, cleaner, dish, dishwasher, guest services, shift, supervisor leader, hospitality, professional, associate, crew, team member, food ...

MidTown Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... At least one year of food preparation and cooking experience * Teamwork and collaboration as part ...

Midtown Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... At least one year of food preparation and cooking experience * Teamwork and collaboration as part ...

TCA Professional Services

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... At least one year of food preparation and cooking experience * Teamwork and collaboration as part ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... food prep, chef, kitchen, host, hostess, dining room, maintenance, cleaner, dish, dishwasher, guest services, shift, supervisor leader, hospitality, professional, associate, crew, team member, food ...

Chick-Fil-A Elmhurst

Kitchen Team Member

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... food prep, chef, kitchen, host, hostess, dining room, maintenance, cleaner, dish, dishwasher, guest services, shift, supervisor leader, hospitality, professional, associate, crew, team member, food ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... food prep, chef, kitchen, host, hostess, dining room, maintenance, cleaner, dish, dishwasher, guest services, shift, supervisor leader, hospitality, professional, associate, crew, team member, food ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.35/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL

Food Prep Associate information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Elgin, IL is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.36 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 job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

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

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

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

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,430 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Store Hospitality Associate Trainee

Delta Sonic

Naperville, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Delta Sonic rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 371 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Join Our Award Winning Team!
With flexible schedules, team member discounts, scholarship opportunities, and fun recognition programs, Delta Sonic offers a variety of career paths for you to grow with us. Recognized nationally as a Top Place to Work, we take great pride in providing outstanding opportunities and a positive work culture.

Team Members Enjoy:
  • Career opportunities 
  • Flexible schedules 
  • Team member discounts 
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Competitive benefits package to include, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurances with 401k, HSA, and FSA 
  • A fun, team-oriented culture 
  • Equal opportunity employer 

Responsibilities:
As a front-line representative of Delta Sonic, the Store Hospitality Associate is responsible for ensuring that every customer receives a personalized, fast, and friendly service experience. Store Hospitality Associates not only prepare food and beverages, but also transact customer purchases. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, adhering to safety regulations and established build guides, following state and/or federal age-restricted sales laws, replenishing and stocking inventory, maintaining and cleaning food prep and storage areas, processing customer purchases, cleaning the store facilities, and following proper cash handling procedures. Store Hospitality Associates understand the importance of balancing fast service with customer needs. They strive to create memorable experiences for and engage with every customer who enters their store. The pay for this position is $18.00 per hour. This is a non-benefited position.

Requirements:

  • Must successfully complete a four-phase training program, which includes obtaining a ServSafe Food Handler online certification and passing age-restricted sales training
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Prior experience in customer service and/or sales is preferred
  • Prior experience in food service, along with a knowledge of USDA, state, federal, and/or local food agency guidelines is preferred
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A passion for creating memorable service experiences
  • Able to solve basic mathematical calculations
  • Unwavering honesty and integrity
  • Professional and welcoming demeanor
  • Able to work with a sense of urgency
  • Adapts easily to change
  • Able to stand, walk, and bend for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Able to lift moderate amounts of weight with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule
  • Excited to work as part of a team
  • Effective June 1, 2024, seasonal employment opportunities due to attending school are no longer available. Year-round schedule availability is required to be considered for employment

Delta Sonic participates in the E-Verify Program.

Delta Sonic has been awarded as a Top Place to Work!

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