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Kitchen Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fogo de Chão

kitchen prep

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Prep Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side ...

Fogo de Chão

kitchen prep

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Prep Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side ...

Fogo de Chao

kitchen prep

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Prep Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side ...

Fogo de Chao

Kitchen Prep

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Prep Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side ...

Fogo de Chao

kitchen prep

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Prep Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side ...

Bob Evans Restaurants

Kitchen Prep

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... prep list, hot box chart in conjunction with the manager to ensure timely delivery of products ...

Bob Evans Restaurants

Kitchen Prep

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Where Good Grows. Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: • Follows recipe and storyboards to ... prep list, hot box chart in conjunction with the manager to ensure timely delivery of products ...

Bob Evans Restaurants

Kitchen Prep

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Where Good Grows. Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: • Follows recipe and storyboards to ... prep list, hot box chart in conjunction with the manager to ensure timely delivery of products ...

Bob Evans Restaurants

Kitchen Prep

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... prep list, hot box chart in conjunction with the manager to ensure timely delivery of products ...

Bob Evans Restaurants

Kitchen Prep

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... prep list, hot box chart in conjunction with the manager to ensure timely delivery of products ...

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL

$16 - $22/hr

Kitchen Prep - Part Time / Full Time Sharko's BBQ | 515 Roosevelt Road Join the vibrant team at Sharko's BBQ, where we bring the best BBQ flavors to the community! As a Kitchen Prep team member, you ...

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Kitchen Prep - Part Time / Full Time Sharko's BBQ | 515 Roosevelt Road Join the vibrant team at Sharko's BBQ, where we bring the best BBQ flavors to the community! As a Kitchen Prep team member, you ...

SALERNO'S ON THE FOX

Kitchen Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Salernos on the Fox is looking for a dedicated Prep cook to join our team. Must have basic culinary skills. Will be preparing sauces and other recipes with minimal supervision. By applying to this ...

Qiao Lin Hotpot Downtown

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL

$17.04 - $21/hr

Vegetable Prep * Seafood Prep * Sauce Bar / Sauce Station * Soup / Broth Station * General Kitchen Prep Full-Time and Part-Time positions are both available. What We're Looking For We are looking for ...

New

Culver's

Kitchen Prep Team Member

Frankfort, IL

$17/hr

Completes the Daily Prep Checklist, preparing a daily supply of all necessary items accurately, according to procedures. * Washes towels and aprons timely, according to procedures. * Prepares regular ...

Fox Valley Chick LLC

Prep Team Member

Batavia, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Kitchen Prep - Join the Team Everyone's Talking About! Description: Looking for a kitchen job without late nights or greasy fryers? Chicken Salad Chick is growing and we're looking for an energetic ...

Smoque BBQ

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL

$55K - $65K/yr

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago's most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am-2pm ...

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kitchen Prep information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do kitchen prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep in Chicago, IL is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen prep?

Kitchen Prep workers, also known as kitchen prep cooks or food preparation workers, are responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or cooks in a commercial kitchen. Their tasks typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, organizing the kitchen, and ensuring workstations are clean and stocked. They play a crucial role in maintaining kitchen efficiency and food safety standards, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and plating dishes. Kitchen Prep workers often serve as entry-level positions and provide valuable experience for those pursuing a culinary career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic knife skills, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is valuable. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe working environment.

What are the main challenges kitchen prep staff face during busy service hours?

Kitchen Prep staff often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, as they must quickly and accurately prepare ingredients while keeping up with the pace of incoming orders. Staying organized and maintaining a clean workstation are essential to ensure efficiency and food safety. Additionally, effective communication with chefs and line cooks is important to anticipate needs and avoid delays. Adaptability and the ability to multitask are key traits that help Kitchen Prep staff succeed in these fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen PrepLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, washing, chopping, and basic food prepCooking dishes, assembling orders, and executing recipes
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials; food safety certification usually required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support area, often early shiftsFront-line cooking station, fast-paced environment
Employer UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and food serviceEssential in restaurants, hotels, and catering

Kitchen Prep roles focus on ingredient preparation and support tasks, while Line Cooks handle cooking and dish assembly. Both roles require food safety knowledge and are vital in restaurant operations, but they differ in responsibilities and pace.

Do kitchen prep cooks make good money?

Kitchen prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. They may also receive tips and benefits depending on the employer, and the role often requires basic culinary skills and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Prep jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Kitchen Prep jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Prep jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Prep jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Kitchen Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,612 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

kitchen prep

Fogo de Chão

Naperville, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 12 days ago

Fogo de Chão rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

At Fogo de Chão, we strive to give our guests an unforgettable dining experience of discovery while showcasing the Culinary Art of Churrasco. Our mission is to ignite fire and joy to care for our team, our guests, and our communities. We believe better futures start when we bring our best to the table every day to Feed a Purposeful Future - starting with our team members. We feed our teams with fulfilling job opportunities, making space around the table so everyone feels welcome. At Fogo, we'll provide you with a fulfilling career with professional and personal growth opportunities at every level. Our values of teamwork, integrity, excellence, humility and Deixa Comigo (we've got you!) are more than just words, it's how we do things every day.
Now Hiring / Immediately Hiring:
Kitchen Prep
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Provides support through preparation and proper presentation of all salad bar items, side dishes and desserts according to recipe in an efficient manner.
  • Ensures that the quality of all inventory and fresh produce are of the highest standards.
  • Proper management of inventory levels including the storage area.
  • Assists management with tracking of expiration dates on all products.
  • Maintains cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and areas.
  • Completes any beginning or closing shift duties as directed by management.

Requirements:
  • Must be able to transport objects up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods of time, and work at a quick pace.
  • Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance are available for full-time, hourly Team Members on the first of the month following 60 days of employment. Additionally, company-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability are provided where allowed. We offer a comprehensive voluntary benefits package including Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Coverage, Permanent Life, and Pet Insurance.
Part-Time Team Members are offered a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Health plan in addition to Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance. Coverage for these plans can start as early as the first of the month following your hire date. Additionally, Part-Time Team Members are offered enrollment in voluntary benefits, including Pet Insurance, Legal, and ID Protection.
Fogo de Chão is an Equal Opportunity & E Verify Employer
This position has a pay range that starts at $15.00 and goes up to $18.00. Your rate is dependent upon your relevant work experience.

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