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Part Time Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Indigo at Elmhurst

Cook

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook We are seeking a reliable and skilled Part-time Cook (2-3 days/week) to support the operation of our Culinary Department in a senior living community. The weekly schedule will include work ...

The Indigo at Elmhurst

Cook

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook We are seeking a reliable and skilled Part-time Cook (2-3 days/week) to support the operation of our Culinary Department in a senior living community. The weekly schedule will include work ...

Sophy - Hyde Park

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Looking for a part time cook to safely and efficiently prepare and cook food that will keep our customers coming back. Our goal is to have customers tell us that our food and service is excellent!

Sophy - Hyde Park

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Looking for a part time cook to safely and efficiently prepare and cook food that will keep our customers coming back. Our goal is to have customers tell us that our food and service is excellent!

Compass Group

COOK (FULL AND PART TIME)

Geneva, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Unidine is hiring immediately for full and part time COOK positions. * Location : Greenfields of Geneva - 0N801 Friendship Way, Geneva, IL 60134 * Schedule : Full time and Part time schedules ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Plainfield, IL

$18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time COOK position. * Location : Diageo - 24440 West 143rd Street, Plainfield, IL 60544 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full and ...

Compass Group

COOK

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Schedule : Full time and part time schedules; evening shifts available. Hours and days may vary; including rotating weekends. Further details upon interview. * Requirement : Prior cooking experience ...

Compass Group

COOK

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions. * Address : Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center - 800 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Note: online ...

Compass Group

COOK

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Schedule : Full time and part time schedules. Friday through Tuesday, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm. Further details upon interview. * Requirement : Previous cook and knife skills preferred. * Perks: Willing to ...

Compass Group

COOK

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Schedule : Full time and part time schedule. Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview. * Requirement : 2 years of previous cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $18.00 per hour to $19 ...

Compass Group

COOK

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50/hr

Full and part time schedule; Weekdays 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Weekends 8:30 PM to 4:00 PM. More details upon interview. * Requirement : Two years of prior cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $19 ...

Compass Group

COOK

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Schedule : Full time and part time schedule. Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Further details upon interview. * Requirement : Previous grill cooking experience preferred. * Perks: Willing ...

Compass Group

COOK

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time COOK position. * Location : Aspen Dental - 800 ... Full and part time schedule. Monday - Friday and some Saturdays; hours may vary. More details upon ...

Compass Group

COOK

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time COOK position. * Location : Diageo - 24440 West ... Full and part time schedule. Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. More details upon interview.

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time COOK position. * Location : Aspen Dental - 800 ... Full and part time schedule. Monday - Friday and some Saturdays; hours may vary. More details upon ...

SAFEbuilt

Building Inspector, Part Time

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

Building Inspector - Part Time - Cook County Area, IL *Up to 25 hours/week* *Potential for this position to turn into a full-time role* SAFEbuilt has the technical expertise to provide Community ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsPart Time Cook JobsPart Time Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL

Part Time Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do part time cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time cook in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time cook?

Part time cooks are culinary professionals who work fewer hours than full-time kitchen staff, typically preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, cooking meals according to recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and assisting with inventory. Part time cooks often work flexible hours, such as evenings or weekends, and may fill in during busy periods or staff shortages. This role is ideal for those seeking work-life balance or supplemental income while gaining valuable cooking experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time cook?

To thrive as a Part Time Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen hygiene, often supported by a food handler's permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and inventory management systems is highly beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and adaptability are essential soft skills for succeeding during busy service hours. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, operational efficiency, and a safe, collaborative kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by part time cooks, and how can they effectively manage their workload during busy shifts?

Part-time cooks often face challenges such as managing multiple orders simultaneously, adapting to different kitchen routines, and quickly learning new menu items. To handle these demands, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens foster a collaborative environment where cooks support each other during peak times, so being a team player and asking for help when needed can greatly reduce stress. Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude and being open to feedback helps part-time cooks improve their skills and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the job.

What is the difference between Part Time Cook vs Part Time Chef?

AspectPart Time CookPart Time Chef
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certificationSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering servicesUpscale restaurants, hotels, private clubs
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in casual dining and institutional settingsFound in fine dining and high-end establishments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for flexible kitchen rolesIndividuals seeking more advanced culinary positions

The main difference between a Part Time Cook and a Part Time Chef lies in their experience level, responsibilities, and the type of establishment they work in. Cooks typically perform basic food preparation, while Chefs often have more culinary training and may oversee kitchen operations. Both roles require food safety certifications and are common in various food service settings, but Chefs usually work in higher-end environments and have more advanced skills.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as a chef, line cook, prep cook, or catering chef. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work in fast-paced kitchen environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Part Time Cook jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Part Time Cook job openings:

Part Time Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cook

The Indigo at Elmhurst

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Cook

We are seeking a reliable and skilled Part-time Cook (2-3 days/week) to support the operation of our Culinary Department in a senior living community.  The weekly schedule will include work shifts on Friday and Saturday.  The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness, and assists the Culinary Coordinator to ensure high-quality dining experiences for residents, visitors, and team members.

What You’ll Do
  • Prepare food according to menu and recipe guidelines.
  • Assist with serving meals in the dining room and maintaining dining areas.
  • Wash dishes, clean kitchen and dining spaces, and follow cleaning schedules.
  • Maintain proper sanitation and food safety practices; use PPE as required.
  • Supervise food requisitions, inventory, and food rotation when the Culinary Coordinator is absent.
  • Assist and oversee Culinary/Resident Assistants in food preparation and dining tasks.
  • Report unsafe conditions, complete work orders, and respond to alarms or emergency situations.
  • Participate in staff in-services, meetings, and safety committees.
  • Uphold confidentiality of residents and coworkers; complete incident reports as needed.
What We’re Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED; Culinary Arts degree preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in culinary or hospitality services.
  • Ability to follow recipes accurately and maintain food safety standards.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
  • Calm, friendly demeanor and commitment to serving seniors.
  • Ability to work independently and assist in supervisory tasks as needed.
The Perks That Matter:
  • Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
  • Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with match
  • Paid time off and flexible hours
  • Employee assistance program and on-demand pay
  • Career growth in a fast-growing company
About Jaybird Senior Living

We provide seniors with the exceptional care they deserve, in an extraordinary living environment. Our communities offer seniors the freedom to enjoy each day as they see fit, with the right level of care and support; helping them approach life with renewed confidence and purpose.

Since 2004, we’ve created a culture where our staff can innovate and grow — while our residents thrive and their families enjoy peace of mind.

The Minnesota Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers in the state of Minnesota to disclose the following information. If the position applied to is not located in Minnesota, the following information may not apply. The base range represents the low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, we provide a variety of benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off (PTO), Flexible hours for better work-life balance, Employee assistance program, on-demand pay.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

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