ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Panera Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. * Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a ...

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. * Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a ...

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Vernon Hills, IL

$18 - $20.75/hr

... associates have a great experience. Ensure that every shift is a great one--by developing our people, managing team performance, and building the warm, inclusive, authentic Panera team culture. As ...

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Streamwood, IL

$18 - $20.75/hr

... associates have a great experience. Ensure that every shift is a great one--by developing our people, managing team performance, and building the warm, inclusive, authentic Panera team culture. As ...

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. * Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a ...

Panera Bread

Team Lead - MIC

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. * Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a ...

Panera Bread

Team Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Team Manager at Panera, you are key to the success of your bakery-cafe. You handle a wide range of responsibilities, all to ensure that both customers and associates have a great experience. Our ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $20.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Westchester, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Streamwood, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Bolingbrook, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Addison, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Orland Park, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Oak Brook, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $20.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Rolling Meadows, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Homewood, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Elmhurst, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Schererville, IN

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPanera Associate JobsPanera Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Panera Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$17

$36

How much do panera associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for panera associate in Chicago, IL is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.60 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Panera associate?

Panera Associates are team members who work at Panera Bread restaurants, handling a variety of roles such as taking orders, preparing food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, and providing excellent customer service. They may work as cashiers, food prep workers, or in other front- or back-of-house positions. Panera Associates are essential in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring that guests have a positive dining experience. Training is provided, and there are opportunities for advancement within the company.

What does a typical shift look like for a Panera associate, and how do team members collaborate during busy periods?

A typical shift as a Panera Associate involves a mix of customer service, food preparation, and maintaining a clean dining environment. Associates often rotate between roles such as cashier, line cook, and dining room attendant, depending on staffing needs. During busy periods, teamwork is essential—associates communicate closely to ensure quick service and coordinate tasks like restocking, order accuracy, and keeping the café tidy. This collaborative environment helps keep operations running smoothly and allows team members to support one another, making shifts more manageable and enjoyable.

What is the difference between Panera Associate vs Barista?

AspectPanera AssociateBarista
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent typically required
Work EnvironmentBakery-café setting, customer service, food prepCoffee shop or café, customer service, beverage preparation
Employer & IndustryPanera Bread, restaurant/food service industryCoffee shops, cafes, food service industry
Common Search/ComparisonPanera Associate vs Barista

Both roles involve customer service and food or beverage preparation in a café setting. While a Panera Associate may handle a variety of tasks including food prep and cashier duties at Panera Bread, a Barista primarily focuses on coffee and beverage service in a café or coffee shop environment. The credentials and work environment are similar, making these roles comparable for those seeking employment in food service establishments.

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

To thrive as a Panera Associate, you need strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic food safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help associates provide great service and adapt to a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, satisfied customers, and a positive workplace culture.
What are the most commonly searched types of Panera jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Panera jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Panera Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Panera Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Panera Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Panera Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Panera Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Panera Associate job openings:
Panera Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Panera Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,431 per year, or $18 per hour.

Team Lead - MIC

Panera Bread

Streamwood, IL • On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,453 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 16 rated cafes

Job description

Team Lead - MIC
PANERA CAFE TEAM LEAD - MANAGER IN CHARGE
Want to work in place where you can learn, laugh, be supported, be yourself and reach your goals? If so, then Panera is for you. We do everything possible to earn your trust and help you succeed-every day, in every way. Come join the fun.
Panera Perks:
  • Competitive pay
  • Eligible for quarterly increases based on performance
  • Free Meals on shifts
  • Career Growth Opportunities
  • Paid vacation & holidays for full-time team members
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance & 401(k) with match available

Are you friendly, motivated, and hard-working? Up for a challenge? Ready to grow? If so, you'll thrive on our team.
Our Team Leads keep us going strong.
Our Team Lead Managers In Charge make every shift shine. You are key to the success of your bakery-cafe. You handle a wide range of responsibilities, all to ensure that both customers and associates have a great experience. Ensure that every shift is a great one-by developing our people, managing team performance, and building the warm, inclusive, authentic Panera team culture. As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner.
As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Build our culture of Warmth, Belonging, Growth, and Trust.
  • Be an ambassador of our Guiding Values and Behaviors:
  • Warmth for guests: Making people smile
  • Bold thoughts, brave actions: Learning, growing, and taking risks
  • Own it: Finding solutions and taking initiative
  • Win together: Working (and winning) as a team
  • Inspire and celebrate: Having fun and celebrating success
  • Rooted in respect: Seeing the best in others
  • Ensure extraordinary guest experiences.
  • Make sure every customer is delighted by the quality of our food, service, staff, and safety measures.
  • Build engaging relationships that lead to long-term, loyal customers.
  • Help your bakery-cafe grow and succeed.
  • Coach and motivate your team to exceed your bakery-cafe's goals-for sales, speed of service, order accuracy, and cafe health.
  • Train your team on food safety standards and ensure they are maintained.
  • Lead, manage, and develop your associates.
  • Provide ongoing training and development, including constructive feedback, as needed.
  • Keep your team energized and engaged. Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements.

This opportunity is for you if:
  • You have been working in a Panera bakery-cafe for at least 90 days.
  • You can direct, motivate, coach, and train others in a fast-paced environment.
  • You are certified in all positions on either a service or production track:
  • Service: Coffee, Barista, Bakery Backer, Dining Room, Cashier
  • Production: Prep, Soups, Salads/Hot Entrees, Sandwiches, Consolidator
  • You're hungry for growth and exciting new opportunities.
  • You're committed to food safety and health safety.
  • You meet these requirements:
    • You're at least 18 years of age.
    • AOP Approval
    • Complete Certified Manager Program (CMP)*, including ServSafe *Requirements are the same as requirements for Team Managers.
    • ServSafe certification (or able to pass)
    • Must submit to a background check and pass requirements

Growth opportunities at Panera:
  • A Path to Success: Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there.
  • Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a strong career-whatever your goals may be.
  • Nationwide Opportunities: We open about 100 new cafes each year-so you'll have plenty of chances to grow with us.

Around here, every day starts with a fresh batch of bread and a thousand possibilities.
Get ready to rise.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans
Competitive pay: $18.00-$20.75
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
600913 Streamwood, IL - West Irving Park Road

What Panera Bread employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Panera Bread logo

About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981

View All Panera Bread Jobs

Apply