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Hourly Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Cook is a critical member of our Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township team ... Hourly: Range is between $16.50-$18.50/hour, offers are commensurate with experience. The salary ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Can you cook with the best of them, but still take just as much pride in how clean you leave the ... Hourly rate negotiable based on experience. Looking to hire immediately. AM and PM shifts available.

New

Cook

River Forest, IL · On-site

$24 - $25.05/hr

Cook I Benefits - As a Part or Full Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect: Career growth with potential for future promotional pathways Free meals daily Annual Shoe Credit through Shoes for ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Competitive hourly pay * Opportunities to learn new skills * Flexible scheduling * Positive kitchen culture Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and quality standards

Cook

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Hourly / Non-Exempt Supervisor: Executive Chef GENERAL SUMMARY: The Cook provides full-scope, hands-on production cooking in the Dining Services Department. Responsible for always maintaining a ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Competitive hourly pay * Opportunities to learn new skills * Flexible scheduling * Positive kitchen culture Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and quality standards

Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Hourly non-exempt LAST UPDATED: June 6, 2025 30 Prepared Foods Job Summary Prepares food items to be used in a full range of cooking methods as directed by the Chef or Food Service Manager. About ...

Cook

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Hourly / Non-Exempt Supervisor: Executive Chef GENERAL SUMMARY: The Cook provides full-scope, hands-on production cooking in the Dining Services Department. Responsible for always maintaining a ...

Cook

Lombard, IL

$18 - $23/hr

Hourly non-exempt LAST UPDATED: June 6, 2025 30 Prepared Foods Job Summary Prepares food items to be used in a full range of cooking methods as directed by the Chef or Food Service Manager. About ...

Line Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Paid sick leave (in qualifying jurisdictions) Hiring immediately for full-time and part-time hourly Line Cooks, Wok Cooks, Cooks, Chef De Parties, or Station Chefs. Job Summary: A Line Cook, Wok Cook ...

Cook

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Hourly / Non-Exempt Supervisor: Executive Chef GENERAL SUMMARY: The Cook provides full-scope, hands-on production cooking in the Dining Services Department. Responsible for always maintaining a ...

Cook

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Cook I Benefits - As a Part or Full Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect: Career growth with potential for future promotional pathways Work-life balance, no nights, no weekends, no holidays ...

Line Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Paid sick leave (in qualifying jurisdictions) Hiring immediately for full-time and part-time hourly Line Cooks, Wok Cooks, Cooks, Chef De Parties, or Station Chefs. Job Summary: A Line Cook, Wok Cook ...

Line Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Paid sick leave (in qualifying jurisdictions) Hiring immediately for full-time and part-time hourly Line Cooks, Wok Cooks, Cooks, Chef De Parties, or Station Chefs. Job Summary: A Line Cook, Wok Cook ...

Cook

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook I Benefits - As a Part or Full Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect: Career growth with potential for future promotional pathways Work-life balance, no nights, no weekends, no holidays ...

Takes pride in doing a good job Benefits available for hourly Crew: * Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental, Vision Life Insurance, Short ...

Takes pride in doing a good job Benefits available for hourly Crew: * Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental, Vision Life Insurance, Short ...

Takes pride in doing a good job Benefits available for hourly Crew: * Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental, Vision Life Insurance, Short ...

Showing results 21-40

Hourly Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do hourly cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly cook in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectHourly CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary basicsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary basics
Work EnvironmentVaries from restaurants to catering, flexible hoursKitchen line, fast-paced restaurant environment
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hospitalityRestaurants, hotels, food service industry
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for hourly food prep rolesFocuses on specific station work in kitchens

Both roles involve food preparation and require similar certifications. An Hourly Cook generally refers to a flexible, often part-time position across various food service settings, while a Line Cook specializes in preparing dishes at a specific station in a busy kitchen. The main difference lies in scope and environment, with Hourly Cooks having broader roles and Line Cooks focusing on station-specific tasks in fast-paced kitchens.

How much does an hourly cook earn per hour?

Hourly cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Some may earn higher wages with specialized skills or in high-cost areas, and tips can also supplement income.

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 Hourly Cook jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Hourly Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Cook is a critical member of our Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township team, preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for up to 83 children and adults every day. The Cook also has responsibility for dishwashing, light kitchen maintenance, and helping to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and safely every day.

Candidate qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent experience. Must have basic skills in reading, writing, and budgeting.
  • One year of quantitative cooking experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the nutritional needs of children and adults.
  • Annual physical examination and good physical health.
  • Completion and maintenance of Food Sanitation Certification.
  • Ability to drive and access to a personal vehicle preferred.
  • Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish preferred.

Job responsibilities:

  • Purchases perishable foods daily, such as bread, milk, etc., and buys fresh fruit weekly.
  • Plans and posts menus in advance, in consultation with parents, assigned staff members and/or dietitian. Emphasizes nutritional needs of the group.
  • Sets out dishes, serves food family style to the different program components. Supervises collection of dishes and kitchen maintenance.
  • Interviews, appraises, and supervises other kitchen staff, as required by program.
  • Prepares and cooks daily meals and snacks.
  • Purchases and stores all groceries and kitchen supplies and keeps purchases within budgetary allowance.
  • Shares pertinent information regarding the operation of the kitchen

Job details:

  • Compensation: Hourly: Range is between $16.50-$18.50/hour, offers are commensurate with experience. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
  • Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match, (more benefit details here). 
  • Location: Early Childhood Center setting (721 S. Quentin Rd.)
  • Schedule: Full-time, hourly; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.
  • We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).