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Lead Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Prairie Green at Fays Point

Lead Cook

Blue Island, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Manage and supervise Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed. Qualifications * You have 6+ months of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or ...

Yay Lunch

Lead Cook - St. Charles

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$22/hr

About the Role (STP) The Lead Cook is the engine of the Yay kitchen. You're the first one in and the person the team looks to when production gets moving. This is a hands-on cooking role - you're at ...

Aramark

Lead Cook - Loyola Univ./Simpson

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

Aramark

Lead Cook - Loyola Univ./Simpson

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Cook JobsLead Cook Jobs in Illinois

Lead Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Illinois is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead cook?

A lead cook is the head of the kitchen who oversees restaurant operations and the other cooks. As a lead cook, you work closely with restaurant managers, cooks, and front of house staff to coordinate food preparation and ensure the operations of the dining facility are running smoothly. Depending on the work environment, you may create menu dishes, order food supplies and equipment, review food and beverage purchases, and train other cooks. You typically need to gain several years of experience working as a line cook before beginning a career as a lead cook. Educational requirements vary, but professional training through vocational programs, culinary institutes, and degree programs may offer a competitive edge. Additional qualifications include excellent knowledge of cuisine, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to lead and manage others.

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

To thrive as a Lead Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience with food preparation, kitchen management, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive team environment in fast-paced settings.

How does a lead cook typically collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations?

A Lead Cook plays a central role in coordinating kitchen activities by communicating clearly with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to ensure that dishes are prepared correctly and timely. They work closely with management to implement menu changes, manage inventory, and uphold food safety standards. Effective collaboration involves training team members, delegating tasks based on skill level, and addressing any issues that arise during service. This teamwork not only keeps the kitchen running efficiently but also fosters a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Lead Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, supervising staff, managing kitchen operationsPreparing dishes on the line, following recipes, working under supervision
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen staff, ensures quality, manages inventoryPrepares specific dishes, maintains station, follows head chef instructions

The main difference between a Lead Cook and a Line Cook is that the Lead Cook has supervisory responsibilities and oversees kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at their station. Lead Cooks often have more experience and may be responsible for training staff, whereas Line Cooks execute specific tasks within the kitchen. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Cook's role includes leadership and management duties.

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Cities in Illinois with the most Lead Cook job openings:

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Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,740 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Lead Cook - L'Americain - 2nd Shift

The Temporary by American Place

Waukegan, IL

$22.80 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who WE are:Our mission is to be Waukegan's top gaming and entertainment hub, renowned for our exceptional hospitality and guest experience. We prioritize our team's development and well-being, offering career advancement opportunities, and a culture of enjoyment and fulfillment in the workplace. With a focus on growth and excellence, we're on the lookout for adaptable, coachable individuals who share our passion for hospitality.Join us for a journey of growth and success in Lake County’s fastest-growing industry.Who WE are looking for:We are seeking a skilled and disciplined Lead Cook for L’Américain who brings a strong foundation in traditional American cuisine and a deep passion for hospitality. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, organized professional capable of executing precise techniques under pressure while maintaining a clean and composed work environment. This individual should possess a thorough understanding of ingredients, presentation, and timing, as well as a collaborative mindset and respect for kitchen hierarchy. We are looking for someone who leads by example demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a consistently positive attitude while guiding and supporting the kitchen team in all aspects of daily prep and service. Strong communication, organizational, and basic mathematical skills are essential, as is the ability to read and follow recipes, production lists, and necessary kitchen documentation. At American Place Casino, we value individuals who take pride in their work, strive for excellence, and contribute to delivering a consistently elevated dining experience for our guests.Job titles similar to this role include:
  • Line Lead
  • Station Lead
  • Prep Lead
  • Head Cook
  What is expected of YOU:
In addition to participating in prep and service, the Lead Cook oversees and supports all kitchen stations, manages closing shift responsibilities, and ensures all required paperwork and checklists are completed. You will be responsible for compiling prep and production lists, monitoring inventory, and ensuring food items are prepared and stored according to rotation and safety standards. Training and retraining of kitchen staff is a key duty, as is clear communication across shifts and with fellow team members, cooks, and leadership. Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace is mandatory, and the Lead Cook is expected to report all issues, incidents, or discrepancies to supervisors promptly. This position also involves assisting with special projects and events, participating in safety meetings, and keeping accurate records of daily operations and team performance. The Lead Cook plays a critical role in upholding kitchen standards and ensuring the smooth, efficient operation of the culinary team at L’Américain.Experience YOU will need:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience working in high-volume line cooking or production cooking in a full-service dining establishment or food service establishment, with at least two (2) years’ experience in supervisory capacity preferred.
  • Possesses the ability to read recipes, production lists and any other necessary collateral paperwork, such as diagrams and logs, to be able to perform necessary duties.
  • Must have good basic mathematical, organizational and communication skills
  • Bilingual is a plus
Physical Requirements:
  • Lift up to 25 - 30 lbs
  • Stand for long periods
  • Navigate crowded spaces
  • Flexibility in bending and reaching
  • Adaptability to casino conditions, including:
    • Bright lights
    • Noise
 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Able to obtain/maintain necessary licenses and/or certifications as required by local gaming regulations.
  • Able to obtain/maintain Food Handlers Serv Safe certifications as required by the Lake County Health Department regulations.
 Benefits/Perks:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision
  • Voluntary Life, AD&D, &
  • Disability Insurance
  • Volunteer Time Off,
  • Ventra Program
  • 401K + Employer Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Food and Beverage Family Meal
Salary Range:
  • $22.80-$36
 Company Statement on EOAA:American Place Casino is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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