ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prep Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Beatrix - Oak Brook

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15 - $24/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Ēma

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

Be Seen First

Prep Cook

Munster, IN · On-site

$33K - $37K/yr

Prep Cook - CVI - Rehabilitation at Hartsfield Village (Powers Health) SHIFT: Full-Time: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm (Includes Nights, Weekends & Holidays) Previous prep cook experience preferred Benefits ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Crying Tiger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Aba - Chicago & The Dalcy

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Crying Tiger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Crying Tiger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Life Care Services

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our prep cook hours are 8am-4:30pm. We pay $18/hour. When you work at Monarch Landing you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of ...

Heritage at Irene Woods

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our prep cook hours are 8am-4:30pm. We pay $18/hour. When you work at Monarch Landing you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of ...

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Life Care Companies, LLC

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our prep cook hours are 8am-4:30pm. We pay $18/hour. When you work at Monarch Landing you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of ...

Restoration Hardware

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

Monarch Landing

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our prep cook hours are 8am-4:30pm. We pay $18/hour. When you work at Monarch Landing you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of ...

Beatrix Market- Loop

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep Cooks are a key part of our team, and critical to providing genuine hospitality. Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins ...

RH

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RH

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL

Prep Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Chicago, IL is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

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

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

How to get a job as a prep cook?

To get a job as a prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience in a kitchen environment. Many employers look for previous kitchen work, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Applying to entry-level restaurant or catering positions and demonstrating reliability can improve your chances of securing a prep cook role.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

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

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.
More about Prep Cook jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Prep Cook jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,638 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Prep Cook

Beatrix - Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$15 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

We’re hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! 

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits:

  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
  • Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • 401(k)



Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Loop and Oak Brook neighborhoods serving weekday breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu features comfort food with a healthful twist, with favorites including the Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas, Prime Burger and more. Beatrix is also known for the iconic coffee bar and bakery counter in each location offering signature cookies, in-house pastries, Fresh-Squeezed Juices and Beatrix Coffee Roasters coffee drinks.
​




Caring. Creative. Careers.
​
Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team.
​
EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify



PREP COOK JOB DESCRIPTION

Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.


Essential Functions

  • Prepare food items and ingredients needed for menu items according to prescribed recipes and/or special requests
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multi-task calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
  • Maintain food safety and quality standards
  • Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently
  • Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator
  • Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed