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Full Time Cooking Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff ... You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen.

Jos Place Inc

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff ... You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen.

Encore Village

Cook full time

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

) Encore Village of Schaumburg is currently hiring for a full time Cook position. Responsible for ... Minimum of 6 months professional cooking experience preferred. This organization does not ...

Providence Life Services

Cook, Full-time

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.85/hr

We are seeking a hardworking professional Full-Time Cook . Park Place of Elmhurst is a member of ... Requirements * 1-2 years of professional cooking experience preferred * Illinois Food Sanitation ...

Wesley Willows

Full-Time Cook

Rockton, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-Time Cook $18.00-20.00/hour | Full-Time Days Location: Highview in the Woodlands | Rockton, IL ... Institutional cooking, along with a fine dining experience, is preferred Benefits Available to ...

Wesley Willows

Full-Time Cook

Rockton, IL · On-site

Full-Time Cook $18.00-20.00/hour | Full-Time Days Location: Highview in the Woodlands | Rockton, IL ... Institutional cooking, along with a fine dining experience, is preferred Benefits Available to ...

Bon Appetit

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Three years of cooking experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour. *Internal ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

Bon Appetit

COOK (FULL TIME)

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous high-volume cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $17.00 per hour to $21.00 per ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

Fox Bowl

Be Seen First

Line Cook / Pizza Maker (Full-Time)

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Line Cook / Pizza Maker (Full-Time) Company: Stella's Pizza & Pub Location: Wheaton, IL Job Type ... Strong understanding of various cooking methods, fresh ingredients, and standard kitchen equipment ...

Fox Bowl

Be Seen First

Line Cook / Pizza Maker (Full-Time)

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Line Cook / Pizza Maker (Full-Time) Company: Stella's Pizza & Pub Location: Wheaton, IL Job Type ... Strong understanding of various cooking methods, fresh ingredients, and standard kitchen equipment ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Perks : Free shift meals, free uniforms, EvenPay, and ... Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits: * Opportunities ...

Canteen

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Previous cooking or food service experience required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $17.50 per hour. *Internal ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates : Retirement Plan ...

Wesley Willows

Full-Time Line Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

Full-Time Cook $17- $20/hour | Full-Time Location: Peterson Meadows | 6401 Newburg Road, Rockford ... Experience in both institutional cooking and fine dining (preferred) Benefits Available to ...

Wesley Willows

Full-Time Line Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-Time Cook $17- $20/hour | Full-Time Location: Peterson Meadows | 6401 Newburg Road, Rockford ... Experience in both institutional cooking and fine dining (preferred) Benefits Available to ...

Flik Hospitality Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Previous cooking experience required. * Perks: Uniforms and meals provided! *Internal Employee ... Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

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All JobsCooking JobsFull Time Cooking JobsFull Time Cooking Jobs in Illinois

Full Time Cooking information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do full time cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time cooking in Illinois is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time cooking job?

Full time cooking jobs refer to positions where individuals work as cooks or chefs for at least 35-40 hours per week, typically in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. These roles involve preparing meals, managing kitchen operations, following recipes, maintaining food safety standards, and sometimes supervising kitchen staff. Full time cooking jobs often require strong time management, teamwork, and culinary skills, and may involve working early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays depending on the establishment.

How does a full-time cooking role typically balance preparation work with service hours during a busy week?

Full-time cooking positions often require a careful balance between food preparation and active service hours. Prep work, such as chopping ingredients, marinating proteins, and organizing supplies, is usually completed before meal service begins to ensure efficiency when orders come in. During peak hours, cooks must work quickly and collaboratively with other kitchen staff to maintain quality and timing. It's common to rotate between prep and service tasks, depending on the kitchen's schedule and staffing. Effective communication and time management are key to handling the fast-paced environment and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full-time cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full-Time Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically formal training or experience in a professional kitchen. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certification in food handling or ServSafe are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to consistently deliver quality dishes, maintain kitchen efficiency, and ensure a safe dining experience.

What is the difference between Full Time Cooking vs Part Time Cooking?

AspectFull Time CookingPart Time Cooking
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, usually less than 20 hours per week
CredentialsBasic culinary certifications often preferredSame as full-time, but less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentConsistent kitchen setting, full shiftsFlexible, variable shifts in kitchens
Employment TypeFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often without benefits

Full Time Cooking involves working standard, full shifts with consistent hours and often includes benefits. Part Time Cooking offers more flexible hours with fewer benefits, suitable for those balancing other commitments. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in hours and employment benefits.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Many companies in the food service industry, such as restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional kitchens, hire full-time cooks and pay them for preparing meals. These employers typically require culinary skills, relevant certifications, and may offer benefits and regular schedules. Job seekers can find opportunities through restaurant chains, hospitality groups, and food production companies that employ full-time cooking staff.

What jobs can you do if you like full time cooking?

If you enjoy full-time cooking, you can pursue roles such as line cook, sous chef, executive chef, or culinary instructor. These positions typically require culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and sometimes certifications like food safety or culinary degrees. Working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or opening your own food business are common options.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Illinois are:

Full Time Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Cooking job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,480 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Full Time Cook

Jos Place Inc

Virden, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as frying. Weekends are required.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare all served food
  • Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours
  • Memorize, record, and comprehend menu items, abbreviations, plate appearance, and portions
  • Follow standard recipes and special diet orders
  • Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
  • Adhere to all sanitation and food production codes
  • Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, utensils, and appliances

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in cooking, culinary arts, or other related fields
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment and cooking techniques
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work well in teams