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Internship Line Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Internship Line Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do internship line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship line cook in Chicago, IL is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship line cook?

Internship Line Cooks are culinary students or entry-level cooks who work in restaurant kitchens as part of an internship program. They assist experienced chefs by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and learning a variety of kitchen techniques. The position provides hands-on experience and helps interns develop professional cooking skills needed for a culinary career. As an intern, you'll likely rotate through different stations and work under supervision to gain a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship line cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Line Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and a food handler’s permit or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and recipe management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, safety compliance, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges internship line cooks face during their training period?

Internship line cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, learning to multitask effectively, and developing consistency in food preparation. They may also need to quickly familiarize themselves with the restaurant’s recipes, equipment, and safety protocols. However, with guidance from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff, interns typically gain confidence and improve their skills rapidly throughout the internship.

What is the difference between Internship Line Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectInternship Line CookLine Cook
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, some culinary training or courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent, culinary school preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised, entry-level kitchenFull-time, fast-paced kitchen environment
ExperienceLimited or no professional experience, learning rolePractical experience required, skill development ongoing
Employment StatusUsually temporary or part of an internship programFull-time or part-time employment

The main difference between an Internship Line Cook and a Line Cook is that the internship is a training position designed for beginners to gain experience, often without prior professional cooking experience. A Line Cook is a more experienced role with established skills, responsible for preparing dishes in a busy kitchen. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the culinary industry, while Line Cooks are essential team members in restaurant operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Internship Line Cook jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Internship Line Cook job openings:

Adult Probation Department College Internship-Spring

Circuit Court of Cook County

Chicago, IL • On-site

Internship

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Adult Probation Department
Intern/Extern Application-Spring
What is an Adult Probation Department college internship?
The Adult Probation Department offers an internship program for college students interested in learning about work in the criminal justice system. The semester-long program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The program offers practical, first-hand courtroom and case management experience.
Classroom instruction provides overviews of department policies and procedures and of court processes. On-the-job training consists of working with an assigned probation officer to observe as well as perform job duties which include interviewing probationers, scoring risks and needs assessments, completing supervision plans, conducting field visits, attending court hearings and preparing court documents.
What time commitments are required?
Interns must attend a four-day orientation program, work a minimum of two full days per week, and complete a minimum of 200 hours or meet their school's internship requirement.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in their major.
Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include college transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample (to evaluate writing skills), and two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting. Applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.
How does the application process start?
After securing permission to seek placement from their college's internship coordinator, applicants forward all requested materials to the Adult Probation Department's Internship Coordinator. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed, and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.
When are the application deadlines?
All applications should be submitted by 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.
What are the required documents?
  1. Chief Judge Application
  2. Résumé and cover letter
  3. Official or Unofficial college transcripts
  4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills) This sample may include a final/midterm paper submitted for class covering a topic of your choice.
  5. Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting).

For questions, contact:
If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, you may contact us via email at [email protected]
THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
  1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
  2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's line of work.