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Kitchen Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

China Bistro

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Kitchen Prep / Back-of-House Assistant (Fast-Paced Chinese Takeout)

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Unload weekly deliveries, organize dry storage and walk-in coolers (FIFO), and keep prep stations fully stocked. * Kitchen Support: Maintain a clean workspace, handle dishware/equipment sanitation ...

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Kildeer, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Cafe Zupas

Kitchen/Food Prep

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Modern, energetic environment Life as a Kitchen Team Member (soup cook, prep cook, dish, lobby): * Prepare fresh produce for menu items * Cook our house-made soups, spreads, and dressings daily

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the origination of all recipes and provides the guests with the best ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the origination of all recipes and provides the guests with the best ...

UNO Pizzeria

Dishwasher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Keep kitchen, prep, and storage areas clean and organized * Support the team with light kitchen prep and cleaning tasks * Follow all safety and sanitation policies What We're Looking For:

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kitchen Prep information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$16

$21

How much do kitchen prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 & Office Assistant

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Position Summary

The Firehouse Community Arts Center is seeking a dependable and hands-on Kitchen & Office Support Assistant to support daily kitchen operations, food preparation, administrative tasks, and general facility needs. This position plays an important role in helping the organization maintain clean, organized, and efficient kitchen and office environments while supporting programs, events, staff, and community services.


The ideal candidate is reliable, flexible, detail-oriented, and comfortable assisting with a variety of tasks, including food preparation, meal service, office support, setup and breakdown for programs, and general cleaning and organization. This role requires someone who can follow directions, work well with a team, communicate professionally, and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.


Kitchen & Food Preparation

  • Assist the Chef and kitchen staff with daily food preparation and meal service.
  • Wash, peel, chop, portion, and prepare ingredients as directed.
  • Assist with setting up and breaking down the kitchen for meal preparation and events.
  • Properly label, date, store, and rotate food and kitchen supplies.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen work areas, equipment, refrigerators, and storage areas.
  • Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and other kitchen equipment (if needed)
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department guidelines.
  • Monitor kitchen supplies and notify the supervisor when items need to be replenished.
  • Assist with packaging and preparing meals for community feeding programs and special events.
  • Ensure leftover food is properly stored or discarded according to food safety guidelines.


Office Support

  • Provide general administrative support to staff and program departments.
  • Answer phones, respond to basic inquiries, and direct calls 
  • Assist with filing, organizing documents, making copies, scanning, and maintaining records.
  • Enter and update information in spreadsheets, databases, or other office systems.
  • Assist with preparing materials, forms, packets, and documents for meetings and programs.
  • Monitor office supplies and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
  • Assist with scheduling, meeting preparation, and other administrative tasks as assigned.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional office environment.


Facility & Team Support

  • Assist with setting up tables, chairs, food stations, and supplies for programs and events.
  • Help maintain cleanliness and organization throughout shared kitchen and office spaces.
  • Follow all Firehouse Community Arts Center policies and procedures.
  • Maintain confidentiality when handling organizational, employee or participant information.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, participants, vendors, and community members.
  • Complete assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Director.