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Head Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Kitchen Cook

Matteson, 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 ...

Kitchen Cook

Oak 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 ...

Kitchen Cook

New Lenox, 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 ...

Kitchen Cook

Villa 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 ...

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... by the Head Cook, Registered Dietician and / or Director of Dietary Services. Cook Job Responsibilities * Review menus prior to preparing food. * Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus ...

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... by the Head Cook, Registered Dietician and / or Director of Dietary Services. Cook Job Responsibilities * Review menus prior to preparing food. * Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus ...

This position also prepares food according to our established policies and procedures and as directed by the Head Cook and/or Dietary Supervisor, to ensure that quality food service is provided at ...

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

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

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Head Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$29

How much do head cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for head cook in Chicago, IL is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $20.58 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Head Cook jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Head Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,838 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

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. 




Lake County Schools Consortium logo

About Lake County Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lake County Schools Consortium is a notable entity within the educational sector in the US. Based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, the consortium serves as an umbrella organization for a number of schools within Lake County. Its official website 'lake.k12.il.us' provides abundant information on working within various educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to high schools. The Consortium focuses on ensuring that education and learning resources are adequately provided to all institutions, as well as coordinating efforts for optimal utilization of resources between schools.

Industry

Education

Headquarters location

Vernon Hills, IL, US

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