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Line Cooks Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Marion, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Marion, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Marion, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Kitchen + Kocktails by KK Chicago - Dearborn

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Line Cooks (PT/FT)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook Job Responsibilities: * Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. * Cooks food items by grilling ...

Ravinia Green

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Line Cooks

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Job Summary As a Cook 2, you are responsible for the set-up, food preparation, and organization of your workstation, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation. Your role includes ...

Ravinia Green

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Line Cooks

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Job Summary As a Cook 2, you are responsible for the set-up, food preparation, and organization of your workstation, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation. Your role includes ...

Great American Restaurants

Line Cook

Carlyle, IL · On-site

$14/hr

Our line cooks are dedicated professionals who work as a team to guarantee our guests become raving fans. * LINE COOKS start at $14 an hour We are looking for FUN, PASSIONATE, HIGH ENERGY individuals ...

Eddie V's

Line Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$15 - $27.25/hr

Line Cooks will ensure special guest requests are accommodated while delivering the same high-quality standards. Line Cooks will coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery to the ...

Eddie V's

Line Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$15 - $27.25/hr

Line Cooks will ensure special guest requests are accommodated while delivering the same high-quality standards Line Cooks will coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery to the ...

Eddie V's

Line Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15 - $27.25/hr

Line Cooks will ensure special guest requests are accommodated while delivering the same high-quality standards. Line Cooks will coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery to the ...

Apple Investors Group

Line Cook

Marion, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS In addition to competitive pay, we offer benefits, a fun work environment & more! Equal Opportunity Employer IHOP is a well established, casual restaurant concept that has growth ...

Apple Investors Group

Line Cook

Carbondale, IL

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

LINE COOKS In addition to competitive pay, we offer benefits, a fun work environment & more! Equal Opportunity Employer IHOP is a well established, casual restaurant concept that has growth ...

The Grove Country Club

Line Cook

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Line Cooks are assigned a specific place in the line, such as the grill or vegetable prep station. Duties include preparing food and maintaining sanitation The Grove are on the hunt for an ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook - EM

Warrenville, IL

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cooks play a key role in delivering the superior food and service that is central to the mission of Eddie Merlots. Line Cooks are responsible for preparing high quality food in a timely ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook - EM

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Line Cooks play a key role in delivering the superior food and service that is central to the mission of Eddie Merlots. Line Cooks are responsible for preparing high quality food in a timely ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook - EM

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cooks play a key role in delivering the superior food and service that is central to the mission of Eddie Merlots. Line Cooks are responsible for preparing high quality food in a timely ...

Perilla Korean American Fare

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Perilla is looking for experienced, courteous and motivated individuals to join our team as one of our line cooks. Our line cook will be hardworking, dependable, motivated, and passionate about ...

Perilla Korean American Steakhouse

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Perilla is looking for experienced, courteous and motivated individuals to join our team as one of our AM line cooks. Our line cook will be hardworking, dependable, motivated, and passionate about ...

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All JobsLine Cooks JobsLine Cooks Jobs in Illinois

Line Cooks information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cooks in Illinois is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 in food preparation, and often a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial ovens, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Excellent teamwork, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential to ensure food quality, maintain kitchen safety standards, and deliver timely service in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Do line cooks make money?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location, experience, and establishment, with many earning minimum wage or slightly above. In addition to base pay, some may receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings. Salaries generally range from minimum wage to around $15-$20 per hour, with experienced cooks earning more in high-volume or upscale restaurants.

How much do line chefs get paid?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Many also receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings, especially in high-volume restaurants or those with a tipping culture. Salaries may vary based on skill level, certifications, and shift hours.

What is the difference between Line Cooks vs Prep Cooks?

AspectLine CooksPrep Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen stations during service hoursPrepares ingredients before service, often in a separate prep area
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringCommon in similar settings, supporting kitchen operations

Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes during service, working at specific stations, while Prep Cooks handle ingredient preparation beforehand. Both roles require culinary skills and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on timing and task complexity.

What are some common challenges faced by line cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Line cooks often work in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines, especially during busy meal services. Common challenges include maintaining consistency in food quality, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and communicating effectively with other kitchen staff. To manage these challenges, it’s important to stay organized, keep a clean workstation, and develop strong time-management skills. Building good teamwork and staying calm under pressure also help ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What exactly does a line cook do?

A line cook prepares and cooks food on the restaurant's line, following recipes and presentation standards. They work in a fast-paced environment, often focusing on specific stations such as grill, sauté, or salad, and need to coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely service.

What are line cooks?

Line cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking food in a restaurant or commercial kitchen. They work at specific stations along the kitchen 'line,' each specializing in a particular type of food, such as grill, sauté, or fry. Line cooks follow recipes, ensure proper food safety standards, and coordinate with other kitchen staff to prepare meals efficiently and consistently. Their role is essential for maintaining quality and timely service during busy meal periods.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, applicants should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as a food handler's permit, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating reliability and teamwork are also important steps.
What are popular job titles related to Line Cooks jobs in Illinois? For Line Cooks jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Line Cooks jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Line Cooks jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Line Cooks jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Line Cooks job openings:
Line Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Cooks job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,480 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Line Cooks

O'Charley's Team Members

Marion, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar is known for offering good food, good times and some of the most awesome job opportunities around.

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who genuinely enjoy working with one another. In fact, O'Charley's is recognized as best in class by People Report and Chain Leader magazine for our team member referral program.

Full & Part-Time Opportunities Available For:
Line Cook

We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits:

  • Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly
  • Growth Opportunities - Approximately 50 percent of our management team started out as hourly team members.
  • Better quality of life - no late night bar hours!
  • Paid Time Off - Earn vacation based upon company policy
  • Discounts - 25% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages for team members to enjoy with their family and friends outside of their work shift
  • Healthcare Coverage - Restaurant hourly team members may become eligible for health and welfare plans the first of the month following an ACA measurement period in which average hours worked per week is 30 or greater.
  • Retirement Savings Plan - After 1 year of employment you are eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan upon reaching 21 years of age.

OUR TEAM BRINGS A LOT TO THE TABLE!

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is an equal opportunity / e-verify employer.

Ocharleys is a full service, casual dining restaurant chain with team member opportunities available throughout the US. At ocharley we offer great full time and part time restaurant kitchen / culinary careers for line cooks who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

**Coupon will be awarded after interview has been completed. Not valid on Combo Appetizer. No additional purchase necessary. One coupon per check. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Coupon required at time of purchase. Coupons that are duplicated or altered in any way will not be accepted. Not valid with delivery.**

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