2

Full Time Cooking Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Normal, IL

$21 - $25/hr

ServSafe certification Experience : 1+ years of cooking experience as a Chef in Healthcare #LivingJoyfully MinUSD $21.00/Hr.MaxUSD $25.00/Hr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Cook

Glenview, IL

$20 - $22/hr

Full-Time Cook | 3-Day Work Week | 4 Days Off Every Week Are you ready to love your job again? Full-Time Schedule: Enjoy a compressed full-time schedule working only 3 days per week! This position is ...

COOK, SR (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$25.16/hr

May oversee the cooking activities of food service associates as assigned by Food Service Director ... Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits: * Opportunities ...

Cook

Hopedale, IL

$16 - $18/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and making a difference in people's lives? Hopedale Medical Complex is looking for a dedicated Full-Time Cook to join our Food Services team. In this role, you'll prepare ...

Cook

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Full-Time Cook to join our growing team. This position requires working every other weekend and holidays. Position Summary In this role, you will be responsible for storing ...

Cook

Hopedale, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and making a difference in people's lives? Hopedale Medical Complex is looking for a dedicated Full-Time Cook to join our Food Services team. In this role, you'll prepare ...

Cook

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Full-Time Cook to join our growing team. Position Summary In this role, you will be responsible for storing, cooking, and helping to serve nutritious high quality food and a ...

Cook

Hopedale, IL

$16 - $18/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and making a difference in people's lives? Hopedale Medical Complex is looking for a dedicated Full-Time Cook to join our Food Services team. In this role, you'll prepare ...

Cook

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Full-Time Cook to join our growing team. This position requires working every other weekend and holidays. Position Summary In this role, you will be responsible for storing ...

Cook

Hopedale, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and making a difference in people's lives? Hopedale Medical Complex is looking for a dedicated Full-Time Cook to join our Food Services team. In this role, you'll prepare ...

Preschool Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50/hr

Sizzling Benefits (Full-Time Cooks): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet-access your earnings anytime! * Pay Range: $18.59- $24.16 * 50% childcare tuition discount -a delicious deal for ...

Cook

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$17.30 - $18.75/hr

Fairhaven is seeking an experienced full-time Cook to perform a variety of activities supporting the Food Services function. This non-exempt position is 37.5 hours per week (5:30am to 1:30pm) with ...

Preschool Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18.59 - $24.16/hr

Only full-time employees are eligible for the listed benefits. Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Responsibilities We are hungry for a Preschool Cook to join our vibrant team of ...

New

Preschool Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18.59 - $24.16/hr

Sizzling Benefits (Full-Time Cooks): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet--access your earnings anytime! * Pay Range: $18.59- $24.16 * 50% childcare tuition discount --a delicious deal ...

New

Preschool Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18.59 - $24.16/hr

Sizzling Benefits (Full-Time Cooks): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet-access your earnings anytime! * Pay Range: $18.59- $24.16 * 50% childcare tuition discount -a delicious deal for ...

Cook - Aurora, IL

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Full-Time Cook High Point Residence Fox Valley Aurora, Illinois Schedule: Mostly daytime hours; some evenings may be required. Every other weekend availability is required. About the Role High Point ...

Cook - Full Time

Western Springs, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook - Full Time | St. Joseph Institute for Addiction | Port Matilda, Pennsylvania About the Job ... Plans individual cooking schedule so that all foods for regular and therapeutic menus and special ...

Showing results 41-60

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:
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.

Full-Time Cook / Food Service Staff

Glenview Public School District #34

Glenview, IL โ€ข On-site

$17.20 - $21.16/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cook
Date Posted:
4/27/2026
Location:
District
Date Available:
August 2026
Description:
Full-time 6.5 Hour a Day Cook / Food Service Staff Member
District 34 Food Service is looking for energetic, flexible, and dependable candidates who can work in a fast-paced environment, use a computer, and have great customer service skills. Candidates should be willing to be trained in all aspects of our kitchens including cooking, prepping food, cashiering, and dishwashing. Sanitation certification is required within six months of employment. Must be able to lift 36 pounds and push or pull up to 100 pounds, reach and stoop, climb ladders, and be on your feet for several hours per day. Our work schedule follows student attendance days.
Purpose: The purpose of this position is to provide service to the students and staff of District 34 while maintaining a financially stable Food Service program under the various Federal, State, and local rules and guidelines and to promote a positive climate for the students (inclusive of NSSED, LICA, and all District 34 students).
Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Director of Food Services and may interact on a daily basis with the building administration.
Location: This position is located in the kitchen and/or lunchroom of the assigned school.
Responsibilities:
  • Has primary responsibility for ordering, food preparation, inventory control, daily reports, sanitation, food and labor cost containment, portion controls, working with volunteers, and cashiers. Supervise breakfast programs at certain schools.
  • Responsible for decorating kitchen and setting up promotions
  • Take daily deposits to bank
  • Assist in food preparation of the day by sanitizing food preparation areas, reading menus, collecting supplies, and turning on equipment
  • Assist with breakfast program as needed
  • Prepare, cook, and serve food according to proper codes
  • Follow standard operating procedures
  • Assist in daily cleaning of all food preparation and service areas (including equipment and all serving items)
  • Interact with the Food Services Director, principal, teachers and students
  • Assist with cashier responsibilities as needed
  • Assist in ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and completing daily reports
  • Post students' daily lunch account deposits to PowerSchool and prepare deposit
  • Interacts with building administration, teachers and students on a regular basis
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:
Kitchen experience a plus, computer knowledge a must.
  • High school diploma
  • Strong interest in cooking and working with children
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must have high regard for others and be a team player
  • Basic math and computer skills a must
  • Strong word processing, internet, and email skills
  • Knowledge of School Food Service operations
  • Successful completion of district food service test
  • Completion or ability to complete a Illinois Sanitation Certificate
  • Must provide own transportation

Working Conditions:
This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 36 pounds and to push or pull up to 100 pounds; to climb ladders, stoop, bend, kneel to put away supplies; and to balance large trays. It also requires strong vision and hearing for communication with students and staff and for proper preparation of food and reading labels.
Full-time (1.0 FTE), 10-month position working the student calendar. Daily hours will be 7:00am - 1:30pm.
Pay Rate: $17.20 - $21.16 per hour based on experience and other factors
Benefits:
  • Board-paid single medical insurance
  • Board-paid single dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Sick & personal days
  • Flex spending
  • 403(b) / 457(b) options
  • Employee Assistance Program

Application Procedure:
Please apply online.