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Full Time Cooking Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Q - Center

Cook I - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full Time Cook I to join our team! Job Summary The Cook I is responsible ... Understand basic cooking techniques. * Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils ...

Countryside Care Center

Cook

Macomb, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.28/hr

Countryside Care Center Rehab & Nursing Facility is hiring a full-time Cook to join our dietary team. If you enjoy preparing quality meals and making a difference for residents, we'd love to meet you.

Q Center

Cook I - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full Time Cook I to join our team! Job Summary The Cook I is responsible ... Understand basic cooking techniques. * Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils ...

Q - Center

Cook I - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL

$20/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full Time Cook I to join our team! Job Summary The Cook I is responsible ... Understand basic cooking techniques. * Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils ...

Allure of Peru

Cook

Peru, IL

$16/hr

Full-Time Cook - Evenings at Allure of Peru We're Allure of Peru, a skilled nursing and healthcare center that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and exceptional care. Our mission is to provide a warm ...

Q

Cook I - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full Time Cook I to join our team! Job Summary The Cook I is responsible ... Understand basic cooking techniques. * Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils ...

Q Center

Cook II - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full-Time Cook II to join our team! Job Summary The Cook II is ... Possess knowledge and experience in proper cooking techniques pertaining to roasting, grilling and ...

Haven of Bridgeport

Cook

Bridgeport, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook - Full-Time Location: Haven of Bridgeport - Bridgeport, IL Now Hiring: Full-Time Cook Haven of Bridgeport is seeking a dependable and compassionate Cook to join our dietary team. In this role ...

Q

Cook II - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full-Time Cook II to join our team! Job Summary The Cook II is ... Possess knowledge and experience in proper cooking techniques pertaining to roasting, grilling and ...

Q - Center

Cook II - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full-Time Cook II to join our team! Job Summary The Cook II is ... Possess knowledge and experience in proper cooking techniques pertaining to roasting, grilling and ...

Q - Center

Cook II - Full Time

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Q Center is looking for a Full-Time Cook II to join our team! Job Summary The Cook II is ... Possess knowledge and experience in proper cooking techniques pertaining to roasting, grilling and ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Cat - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Morrison Living

COOK (FULL TIME)

Palos Park, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time COOK positions. * Location : Peace Village - 10300 Village Circle Drive, Palos Park, IL 60464. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Hours and days may ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Central States Funds - 8647 W Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$23/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : The Shuman - 263 Shuman Boulevard, Naperville, IL 60563 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule.

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Braceville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Constellation Braidwood - 351000 S Route 53, Braceville, IL 60407 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Address : 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule; Monday through ...

Flik Hospitality Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK position. * Location : Katten Chicago - 525 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60661. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

Flik Hospitality Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time COOK positions. * Location : UA ORD - United Airlines ORDCS Terminal, Chicago, IL 60666. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 10, 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 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 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.
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 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,480 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Cook I - Full Time

Q - Center

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Q Center is looking for a Full Time Cook I to join our team!
 
Job Summary
The Cook I is responsible for assisting workers engaged in preparing foods for guest dining by performing a combination of duties. This position adheres to food quality, appearance and presentation standards while ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas and for minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.
 
This position is on-site, with a varying schedule that can include days, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. 
The rate for this position is $20.00/hour.
 
Benefits
  • Paid time off
  • 401(K) with employer match
  • Holiday Pay
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Wellness Credits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Basic Life, AD&D 
  • Disability Benefits
  • Employee Meals
Education & Experience
  • High School or GED completed and/or experience in a hotel culinary role preferred.
  • 1-2 years of previous experience preferred. Food Handler certification or equivalent required.
  • Ability to read and follow standardized recipes.
Physical Requirements
  • Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
  • Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to stand during entire shift.
  • Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.
Fundamental Requirements
  • Associates must at all times be attentive, friendly, helpful and courteous to all guests and fellow associates.
  • Basic knowledge of batch and banquet production.
  • Basic knife skills as they pertain to fruits and vegetables.
  • Assist with the transportation of banquet food and plating.
  • Safely and effectively perform hot and cold food prep using standardized food preparation techniques while assisting Cook II and Supervisors.
  • Ability to work different action stations.
  • Ability to complete food temperature logs and collect food samples from meal periods.
  • Prepare or assist with preparation of high-quality food items following standardized recipe cards to meet production, delivery and service schedules.
  • Understand basic cooking techniques.
  • Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with local health department sanitation laws.
The Q Center:
Q Center is more than a conference center – it’s an experience! With 40 years of experience in meeting planning and special event production, Q Center has become an industry leader with boundless versatility and exceptional levels of service. As the largest full-service conference facilities in the Midwest, our vast 150,000+ square-feet of IACC-certified meeting and event spaces regularly host a variety of occasions, from large-scale Fortune 500 company meetings to small business training and special events, like fundraisers and galas. One thing is for sure – food and fun are abundant at Q Center for all to enjoy. From our 95 acres of recreational fun to exploring local sites and indulging in gourmet cuisine, we aim to make every guest experience beyond expectations. Q Center isn’t just for business meetings and conferences – our multi-talented team and event space makes us one of the Midwest’s premier special event venues!
 
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
 EEO is the Law    Supplement Notice     Pay Transparency
 
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to careers@qcenter.com and provide the job title to which you are applying.