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Head Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Food Service/Head Cook Date Posted: 8/3/2026 Location: Oakland Elementary School HEAD COOK POSITION SUMMARY The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the ...

HEAD COOK POSITION SUMMARY The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance with established recipes ...

Assistant Head Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Food Service/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 6/3/2026 Location: Belmont High School Date Available: 09/01/2026 2026 / 2027 Openings Assistant Head Cook - Food Service Worker 40 hours per week ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Reports to head cook regarding any faulty or inferior quality food which is received from a vendor * Wears the proper hair netting for food preparation. * Notify head cook if any products are not ...

Sub Cook

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Reports to head cook regarding any faulty or inferior quality food which is received from a vendor * Wears the proper hair netting for food preparation. * Notify head cook if any products are not ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Reports to head cook regarding any faulty or inferior quality food which is received from a vendor * Wears the proper hair netting for food preparation. * Notify head cook if any products are not ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Perform all duties assigned by the administration, head cook, and Food Service Coordinator * All other duties as assigned Major Responsibilities: * Food Preparation * Serving * Safety and Cleanliness

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Perform all duties assigned by the administration, head cook, and Food Service Coordinator * All other duties as assigned Major Responsibilities: * Food Preparation * Serving * Safety and Cleanliness

Sub Cook

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Perform all duties assigned by the administration, head cook, and Food Service Coordinator * All other duties as assigned Major Responsibilities: * Food Preparation * Serving * Safety and Cleanliness

Kitchen Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Title Kitchen Cook Pay Grade Non-Exempt Major Department Hot Foods Minor Department Kitchen Reports to Head Cook, Hot Foods Department Manager Job Summary : The line cook is responsible for preparing ...

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Head Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do head cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for head cook in Illinois is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectHead CookLine Cook
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary trainingCooking experience, culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, menu planningFood preparation stations, fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, menu oversightFood prep, station work

The main difference between a Head Cook and a Line Cook is that the Head Cook oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, and plans menus, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing food at specific stations during service. Head Cooks have broader responsibilities and leadership roles, whereas Line Cooks specialize in food preparation within their assigned station.

How much do head cooks get paid?

Head cooks typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Salaries can vary widely, with some earning over $70,000 in high-end or busy restaurants, and additional compensation may include tips or bonuses.

What are the duties of a head cook?

A head cook is responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, preparing and cooking meals, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and maintaining inventory. They often create menus, train staff, and ensure efficient kitchen workflow.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Head Cook jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Head Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,879 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Head Cook
Date Posted:
8/3/2026
Location:
Oakland Elementary School
HEAD COOK
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance with established recipes, nutritional standards, and safety regulations..
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment.
  • Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following HACCP policy.
  • Determines quantity of food prepared daily.
  • Prepares food according to a planned menu while following the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.
  • Supervises and coordinates activities of assistant cook and cook's helper.
  • Each week prepares and sends food and supply orders through the online ordering system.
  • Checks weekly food shipments into the school, signing invoices after each order has been verified for accuracy, while following the HACCP policy for receiving shipments.
  • Follows HACCP policy for logging the freezer, cooler, and milk cooler temperatures at the beginning and end of each day.
  • Maintains all records required under the National School Lunch Program.
  • Prepares daily production records and additional reports as needed.
  • Keeps monthly inventory records of all foods and supplies.
  • Attends monthly meetings and in-services as requested.
  • Must have or be willing to get a Food Safety Managers Sanitation Certification through www.sfhcorp.com
  • Provides leadership to co-workers regarding the compliance with department procedures and helps create a positive work atmosphere through Teamwork.
  • Maintains a pleasant attitude with all staff and students.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School diploma or equivalent

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting. This overview is not exhaustive of all physical requirements and responsibilities inherent in the role.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
REPORTS TO: Director of Food Service
BENEFITS
  • Employer contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Hourly rate, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the individual assigned to the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities related to the position.
Attachment(s):
  • Job Description | Head Cook