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Hospital Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Loretto Hospital

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.69/hr

ABOUT US Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year ... The cook is also to ensure all regulatory agencies' sanitation guidelines are being followed.

Advocate Aurora Health

Cook ACMC

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

Education/Experience Required: - High school education or equivalent is preferred. - Minimum of two years of hotel, restaurant or hospital cooking experience with knowledge of all aspects of food ...

New

Silver Cross Hospital

Cook

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16.66 - $19.99/hr

Silver Cross Hospital is an extraordinary place to work. We're known for our culture of excellence ... Follows all cooking assignments maintaining a sanitary and safe working area at all times.

Chicago Behavioral Hospital

Cook - PRN

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Chicago Behavioral Hospital. Compensation: This is a PRN role, and the compensation for this position is $20.00 per hour. Join us as our Cook!

RML Specialty Hospital

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.91 - $26.56/hr

Cook Department/Location: FNS / Hinsdale, IL Shifts: Various shifts between 7:00 am - 7:30 pm ... Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML's Core Values of ...

Hhs

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19.50/hour Full-time position available Evening/Night shift available ... Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff * Follow company recipes and ...

Rush Specialty Hospital

Cook - Full Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.05 - $22/hr

Cook Location: Chicago, IL Schedule: Full-time, 11:00AM - 7:30PM Compensation: $18.05 - $22.00 per ... Company Paid Parking RUSH Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to ...

Rush Specialty Hospital

Cook - Full Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.05 - $22/hr

Cook Location: Chicago, IL Schedule: Full-time, 11:00AM - 7:30PM Compensation: $18.05 - $22.00 per ... Company Paid Parking RUSH Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to ...

Rush Specialty Hospital

Cook - Full Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.05 - $22/hr

Cook Location: Chicago, IL Schedule: Full-time, Float (AM or PM hours, including weekend shifts ... Company Paid Parking RUSH Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to ...

Silver Cross Hospital

Cook (Full-time)

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16.66 - $19.99/hr

Silver Cross Hospital is an extraordinary place to work. We're known for our culture of excellence ... Follows all cooking assignments maintaining a sanitary and safe working area at all times.

Silver Cross Hospital

Cook (Full-time)

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16.66 - $19.99/hr

Silver Cross Hospital is an extraordinary place to work. We're known for our culture of excellence ... Follows all cooking assignments maintaining a sanitary and safe working area at all times.

Silver Cross Hospital

Cook (Full-time)

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16.66 - $19.99/hr

Silver Cross Hospital is an extraordinary place to work. We're known for our culture of excellence ... Follows all cooking assignments maintaining a sanitary and safe working area at all times.

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All JobsHospital Cook JobsHospital Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hospital Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$16

$20

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in Chicago, IL is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hospital cook?

The responsibilities of a hospital cook are similar to those of a chef working in any restaurant. However, strict adherence to nutritional requirements and healthcare plans are essential for all patients. As a hospital cook, your duties include working in a cafeteria and helping craft a menu that caters to various dietary requirements. You complete food preparation each morning and determine each meal plan, with help from doctors and nurses. You proportion meals onto trays based on provided instructions and ensure meals are delivered on time so that patients can take their medications. You also ensure that produce and other foods are rotated in a timely fashion to ensure freshness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospital cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a food handler’s certification or related training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, dietary management systems, and inventory tools is typical for the role. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with staff and patients set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure safe, nutritious meals are prepared efficiently, supporting patient health and meeting strict healthcare standards.

What are some common challenges hospital cooks face when preparing meals for patients with diverse dietary needs?

Hospital Cooks often encounter the challenge of accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences while ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. They must strictly follow guidelines provided by dietitians and nutritionists, which can include preparing low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly options. Balancing these requirements while maintaining food safety standards and meeting tight meal schedules requires strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Effective communication with the dietary team and adaptability are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Hospital Cook vs Hospital Dietary Aide?

AspectHospital CookHospital Dietary Aide
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety training, basic dietary knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasDining areas, patient rooms, food service stations
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, cookingServing meals, assisting with food distribution, cleaning
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, long-term care, healthcare settings

Hospital Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals according to dietary guidelines, requiring culinary skills and certifications. Dietary Aides assist with meal service and patient food distribution, often with less emphasis on cooking. Both roles are essential in hospital food service but differ mainly in responsibilities and skill requirements.

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Hospital Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,368 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cook (Part-Time) - Hospital Setting

Thomas Management LLC

Chicago, IL

$19/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

REAL Food re-fined.

Cook (Part-Time) - Hospital Setting | Location: Chicago, IL 60611

Hourly Pay: $19 per hour| Part-Time

Schedule: Part-time, 3-6 days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: 6am-1pm & 12pm-7pm

Job Summary

As a hospital Cook, you’ll prepare nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and nourish staff and visitors. You’ll work in a collaborative kitchen environment, following dietary guidelines and safety standards while bringing care and attention to every dish. Your role helps create a warm, welcoming experience through food that makes a difference.

We love all-hands-on-deck personalities! The ideal person for this role will help out with cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning dining rooms.

What You'll Do

  • Review menus and assemble all items needed for preparation. 
  • Follow standard recipes and production sheets to achieve nutritious, high-quality, cost-effective meals. 
  • Evaluate food preparation and recommends changes to improve operations.  
  • Follow kitchen opening/closing procedures and handle food and equipment following sanitation and safety practices.  
  • Assist with training new Food Service personnel. 
  • Report repairs and maintenance needs to the Supervisor. 
  • Meet time deadlines for tray line, cafeteria service, and catering. 
  • Utilize progressive cooking procedures to ensure optimum quality products. 
  • Utilize appropriate garnishing and food presentation techniques to ensure optimum quality. 
  • Follow daily prep and pull schedules as indicated in guidelines. 
  • Weigh and measure ingredients for the following day's production, keeping food refrigerated as needed and using proper thawing procedures. 
  • Document supply acquisitions appropriately, both when ordering and removing items from the storeroom.
  • Rotate supplies and maintain an orderly inventory at a minimum per level. 
  • Ensure the safety of food prepared by following safe sanitary food handling practices—hot food hot and cold food cold. 
  • Follow specified cleaning procedures for all cooking equipment. Utilize proper food storage practices—cover, label, and date. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

What You Will Bring

  • ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handlers Card 
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • High School Diploma/GED 

Physical and Sensory Requirements

  • This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

  • Holiday Premium Pay
  • 401(k) /Company Match- specific hours worked during the first 3-months of employment are required in order to be eligible
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Referral Bonuses
  • A supportive, collaborative work environment
  • Opportunities for growth

      Who We Are 

      Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

      Our commitment to you 

      At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

      REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships