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Line Cook Jobs in Dixon, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook II

Dixon, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $17.25/hr

Assists customers and maintain line in a consistent and professional manner. Cook II will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line and ...

Now Hiring: Full Time & PRN Cooks Allure of Mount Carroll | Mount Carroll, IL Join Our Team! Allure of Mount Carroll is looking for a dependable, compassionate Full time and PRN Cook to join our ...

Cook

Dixon, IL · On-site

$17/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Dixon, IL · On-site

$17/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Dixon, IL · On-site

$17/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Sterling, IL · On-site

$19 - $20.50/hr

The Cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques resulting in foods that meet the nutritional guidelines and safety standards, treating our residents with ...

Cook

Sterling, IL

$19 - $20.50/hr

The Cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques resulting in foods that meet the nutritional guidelines and safety standards, treating our residents with ...

The Rabbit's Foot in Rochelle, IL is looking for one cook to join our team. We are located on 1244 N 7th St. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, motivated, and hard-working. Starting pay based off ...

Cook

Mount Morris, IL · On-site

$19/hr

COOK Position Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook food items to ensure the highest quality service and experience for customers * Ensure ingredients and final products are fresh * Follow recipes ...

Cook - Dixon, IL

Dixon, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook - Lee County Jail About Us Consolidated Management is a food service management company with over 50 years of experience, currently operating in 10 states. We specialize in providing food ...

Part-Time Cook Join the team at Allure of Walnut, where we are all family! We're often asked what sets us apart from other skilled nursing and healthcare centers. We have a very simple reply: Pay us ...

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Line Cook information

See Dixon, IL salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in Dixon, IL is $16.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a line cook?

Line cooks are culinary professionals who work in restaurant kitchens, responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards set by the chef. They typically work at specific stations along the kitchen 'line,' such as grill, sauté, or fry, ensuring each dish is cooked correctly and presented well. Line cooks must manage their time efficiently, maintain food safety standards, and communicate effectively with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth operation during busy service periods.

What is a line cook?

A line cook is a restaurant staff member who works in the kitchen, usually working a particular station on the line during service. As a line cook, your responsibilities and duties may include setting your station mise en place, firing food to order, and plating food. Line cooks work at a station, for example, the grill or fryer, but they are cross-trained to work any position in the kitchen. Your job is to work as a team with the entire kitchen staff to prepare meals that are consistently high in quality and delivered rapidly to the front of the house.

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

To thrive as a Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety, typically gained through experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and health code certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential soft skills in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food, and a safe dining experience for customers.

What are common challenges faced by line cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Line cooks often face fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are essential. Managing multiple orders simultaneously and maintaining consistency in food quality can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Building strong communication with the kitchen team and staying organized at your station can help you overcome these challenges. Additionally, developing efficient prep habits and staying calm under pressure will contribute to your success as a line cook.

What is the difference between Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectLine CookPrep Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares menu items during service, follows recipes, manages stationPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps food for cooking
Work EnvironmentKitchen during service hours, fast-pacedKitchen during prep hours, less hectic
CredentialsFood handler’s permit often required, culinary training optionalFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skills
Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in similar settings, supports line cooks

While both roles work in kitchens and require food safety knowledge, a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service, whereas a Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients beforehand. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do line cooks make money?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location, experience, and establishment, with many earning between minimum wage and $15-$20 per hour. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings, especially in busy restaurants. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in high-end or high-volume kitchens.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, candidates should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment. Preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as food safety training, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important steps.

What cities near Dixon, IL are hiring for Line Cook jobs?

Cities near Dixon, IL with the most Line Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in Dixon, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,700 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$16.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 68 rated caterers


Job description


Our Promise

Balance - Quest fosters a fun, supportive environment that puts people first and strives for both culinary excellence and enduring relationships. Our flexible work opportunities encourage a healthy life balance for all of our valued team members.

Meaning - Quest believes that every aspect of what we do has significance, and therefore, our food is fresh and made from scratch, using high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. We nourish our communities with wholesome meals and through our genuine and personal connections.

Recognition - Quest provides competitive compensation and benefits, and celebrates the fulfillment of our collective values at all levels of the organization. We support professional growth through training, development and access to highly visible leadership.

 

 

Position Summary

Prepares and presents menu items during service of the cafeteria to Quest standards. Follows preparation list for items needed for execution of menus and assist in the day to day operations of the kitchen.  Duties may include bulk preparation, catering prep, product receiving and cleaning. Assists customers and maintain line in a consistent and professional manner. Cook II will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line and following recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen deliveries. Ability to work in at least three concept stations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Cascades the vision of Quest Food Management Services ensuring the Quest vision, values and founding principles are effectively communicated, understood and practiced.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Quest vision, values and missions through actions on a daily basis.
  • Prepare food as assigned and per directions, production sheets, standardized recipes, and time schedule. 
  • Accurately assemble and present all menu items.  
  • Follow Quest, local, State and Federal guidelines for the proper handling of food products.                    
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the line and product kitchen.  Work with other members of the kitchen as a team. 
  • Maintain open and effective communication with others.                                                                                      
  • Prepare all items to standardized recipes according to each specific event’s needs as outlined on the menu.
  • Properly expand and/or divide recipes as needed to achieve proper yields.                                    
  • Familiarize themselves with catering menus and master recipe indexes.                                         
  • Communicate to supervisor product shortages, ordering needs and maintenance issues to maintain the level of day to day business.                                                                                                                               
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the production kitchen and production facility.                                         
  • Ability to work at special events when required.                                                                                                        
  • Perform daily and weekly cleaning schedule.                                                               
  • Ensure that all food production, storage, and service areas are maintained in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
  • Assist with ordering all food and other supplies, monthly inventory, and maintaining par levels.
  • Responsible for sanitation in the kitchen, including checking to see that all equipment is working properly.
  • Complete all prep for the next day’s production per production sheets and recipes as assigned and as needed.
  • Transport food and all other supplies to and from the kitchen in a sanitary manner.
  • Take temperatures and record them for all food.
  • Serve food on the hot line and prepare side orders ensuring excellent presentation and garnishing all of plates.
  • Demonstrate ability to work on at least three concept stations and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen.
  • Follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food practices. 
  • Responsible for receiving and putting away all kitchen deliveries.
  • Follow all Quest policies and food safety guidelines. 
  • Report to scheduled shift on time and in complete uniform as outlined in the Quest team member handbook.      
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Specifications

Education and Experience:  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience as a line cook 
  • Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (certified as a Food Handler)
  • Ability to perform simple arithmetic as well as to understand measurements and conversions
  • Ability to follow recipes



What Quest Food Management Services employees say

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