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Full Time Cooking Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL ยท 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.

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL ยท 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.

Cook full time

Schaumburg, IL ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Full-Time Cook

Rockton, IL ยท 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 ...

Cook, Full-time

Elmhurst, IL ยท 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 ...

Timber Point Healthcare Center has a full time COOK position open. Our cooks are an essential part of our home. Our residents enjoy a restaurant style dining service. It is the responsibility of our ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Wheaton, IL ยท 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 ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Schedule : Full time schedule. Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview ... Requirement : 1 year of previous cooking experience required. * Perks: Earned paid time off, paid ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Elmhurst, IL ยท 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 ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$24/hr

Kitchen/cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22 ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$23/hr

Requirement : 1 to 3 years of previous kitchen or cooking experience is preferred. *Internal ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$24/hr

Schedule : Full time schedule. Days and hours may vary; rotating weekends and holidays included ... Previous cooking experience in a healthcare setting is preferred. * Pay Range: $21.00 per hour to ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Quincy, IL ยท On-site

$24/hr

Prior cooking experience preferred. * Perks: Free food! Free fitness membership and QU events ... Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits: * Opportunities ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Previous kitchen or cooking experience required. * Perks: Free coffee and free shift meals ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Byron, IL ยท On-site

$19/hr

At least 2 years of restaurant or healthcare cooking experience required. ServSafe certificate ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Cooking information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do full time cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the context of full-time cooking, high salaries reaching $500,000 annually are uncommon but possible for executive chefs or restaurant owners in high-end establishments or luxury hospitality. Such roles often require extensive experience, strong management skills, and ownership of successful businesses. Most culinary professionals earn significantly less, with top-tier salaries typically below this threshold.

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.

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 is the highest paying job in cooking?

The highest paying jobs in cooking are executive chefs and culinary directors, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large kitchens or restaurant groups. Specialized roles such as private chefs for high-net-worth individuals or culinary consultants can also command high compensation.

What are full time cooking jobs?

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.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

Full-time cooking jobs typically involve working in restaurants, catering, or food service establishments rather than cooking at home for pay. However, some individuals earn money by offering home-based cooking services, such as meal prep or private chef work, which may require certifications, marketing, and a suitable environment. These opportunities often involve flexible schedules and skill in food safety and presentation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Cooking job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,480 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Full Time Cook

Jos Place Inc

Virden, IL โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 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