1

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

Line Cook Holiday Inn Chicago - Schaumburg | Schaumburg, IL Pay Range: $16.00 - $19.00 per HourJoin Our Culinary Team Are you passionate about cooking and creating exceptional guest experiences? The ...

Line Cook

Lake Bluff, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook at The Silo Restaurant! Are you passionate about food and ready to bring your culinary skills to the table? At The Silo Restaurant , located in the heart of Lake Bluff ...

Line Cook

Barrington, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Lead daily preparation of food items and station management * Handle set-up, stocking and preparing food in accordance to our Executive Chef's recipes and standards * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

If you're ready to be part of something special, to grow, lead, and help write the next chapter of the CRG story, we'd love to connect with you. Line Cook Responsibilities * Perform many basic tasks ...

If you're ready to be part of something special, to grow, lead, and help write the next chapter of the CRG story, we'd love to connect with you. Line Cook Responsibilities * Perform many basic tasks ...

LINE COOK - Line Cook Responsibilities: The Line Cook is responsible for the preparation of food, complying with all sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards, and the established food ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

If you're ready to be part of something special, to grow, lead, and help write the next chapter of the CRG story, we'd love to connect with you. Line Cook Responsibilities * Perform many basic tasks ...

Line Cook

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Line Cook Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour pending experience Line Cooks are in charge of prepping food and plating dishes according to a restaurant's menu specifications. Line Cooks are assigned a ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

We are looking for a professional Line Cook to prepare food for the exact chef's specifications and to set up stations for the menu. Line cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and sous ...

Join Our Team as a Line Cook at Social 18 / Mully's Grill! Are you an experienced line cook looking to showcase your skills in a fast-paced environment? Look no further! At Social 18 / Mully's Grill ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Our line cook will be hardworking, dependable, motivated, and passionate about cooking. This candidate will possess a great eye for detail and will be responsible for the planning and execution of ...

Line Cook

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook - $250 Sign-On Bonus! At Main Event, our Line Cooks prepare unforgettably delicious food that keep our Guests coming back for more! As a Line Cook, you are passionate about our ingredients ...

Line Cook

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook - $250 Sign-On Bonus! At Main Event, our Line Cooks prepare unforgettably delicious food that keep our Guests coming back for more! As a Line Cook, you are passionate about our ingredients ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Our line cook will be hardworking, dependable, motivated, and passionate about cooking. This candidate will possess a great eye for detail and will be responsible for the planning and execution of ...

Line Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Line Cook WeatherTech Direct is seeking a well-qualified Line Cook to help prep, cook, and serve meals while creating a memorable customer service experience for guests and employees. This is a ...

Line Cook

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook! Are you passionate about cooking and creating unforgettable dining experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment? The Randall Oaks Golf ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Line Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$19

$26

How much do lead line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead line cook in Chicago, IL is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead line cook?

Lead line cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing a particular section or station in the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared correctly and on time. They supervise other line cooks, help with kitchen organization, and maintain high standards for food quality and safety. Lead line cooks often collaborate with the head chef and sous chef, assist with menu planning, and may train new kitchen staff. Their leadership is crucial to a kitchen's smooth and efficient operation.

What are some common challenges lead line cooks face when managing a busy kitchen shift?

Lead Line Cooks often juggle multiple tasks during peak hours, from overseeing food preparation and plating to coordinating with kitchen staff and communicating with front-of-house teams. Common challenges include maintaining consistency and quality under pressure, managing inventory shortages, and quickly resolving unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or staff absences. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are essential to ensure smooth operations and uphold high culinary standards during busy shifts.

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

AspectLead Line CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesOversees station, mentors staff, ensures qualityPrepares dishes, follows recipes, maintains station
CredentialsExperience, culinary skills, leadershipBasic culinary training, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, supervisory roleKitchen station, food prep

The Lead Line Cook typically has more experience and takes on supervisory duties, overseeing other cooks and ensuring quality standards. The Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes and maintaining station efficiency. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Line Cook also demonstrates leadership and organizational abilities.

Do lead line cooks make a lot of money?

Lead line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage to higher rates depending on experience, location, and establishment type. In some cases, they can earn additional income through tips, especially in busy restaurants. Overall, their salary is generally moderate compared to executive chef roles but can increase with skill and responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead line cook?

To thrive as a Lead Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in high-volume kitchens, usually supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food quality and safety, and foster a positive work environment.
Infographic showing various Lead Line Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,216 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Line Cook

Holiday Inn Chicago – Schaumburg | Schaumburg, IL

Pay Range: $16.00 - $19.00 per HourJoin Our Culinary Team

Are you passionate about cooking and creating exceptional guest experiences? The Holiday Inn Chicago–Schaumburg is seeking a skilled and motivated Line Cook to join our culinary team. This position plays a key role in delivering high-quality meals for hotel guests, restaurant patrons, business travelers, meetings, banquets, and special events.

As a Line Cook, you'll work in a hospitality environment where teamwork, quality, and guest satisfaction are top priorities. Whether preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, or banquet meals, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills while contributing to a memorable dining experience.

Position Summary

The Line Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to established recipes, presentation standards, and food safety guidelines. This role prepares meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, soups, sauces, and other food products while ensuring consistency, quality, and timely service.

The ideal candidate thrives in a busy kitchen environment, takes pride in food quality, and works effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Prepare, cook, and present menu items according to recipes and quality standards.
  • Operate grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, and other commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Prepare meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, soups, sauces, and specialty menu items.
  • Set up and stock line stations after service periods.
  • Maintain proper food rotation, storage, labeling, and inventory control procedures.
  • Follow established portion sizes, cooking methods, and presentation standards.
  • Assist with food preparation and prep work during non-peak periods.
  • Ensure all dishes are plated and garnished according to restaurant specifications.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations and kitchen areas.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
  • Communicate effectively with kitchen leadership and fellow team members.
  • Assist with opening, side work, and closing responsibilities.
  • Support banquet, catering, and special event food preparation as needed.
  • Deliver exceptional guest service through quality food and efficient execution.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired Skills
  • Strong commitment to guest service and hospitality.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant or hotel kitchen environment.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills.
  • Basic math and computer skills.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism during busy service periods.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous Line Cook, Prep Cook, Restaurant Cook, Hotel Cook, Banquet Cook, or Kitchen Team experience preferred.
  • Experience working in a hotel, restaurant, banquet, catering, or hospitality environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
  • Frequent lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements.
  • Ability to work safely around hot surfaces, commercial kitchen equipment, and sharp utensils.
  • Ability to lift and move products, supplies, and equipment as required.
  • Must wear approved non-slip footwear and follow all safety procedures.
Why Join Holiday Inn Chicago–Schaumburg?

Join a high-energy hospitality team serving hotel guests, business travelers, conferences, meetings, banquets, sports teams, and special events. This position offers the opportunity to develop your culinary skills, work alongside experienced hospitality professionals, and play a direct role in creating exceptional dining experiences for guests every day.

If you're looking for a Line Cook job in Schaumburg, IL where you can grow your culinary experience and be part of a successful hotel restaurant operation, apply today.