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Prep Cook Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

What You'll Do Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Job Details Avli is looking for a full-time lead prep cook. Summary Avli Restaurants are creative Greek, where tradition meets contemporary elegance and guests experience our core philosophies of ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Job Details Avli is looking for a full-time lead prep cook. Summary Avli Restaurants are creative Greek, where tradition meets contemporary elegance and guests experience our core philosophies of ...

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Burbank, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Matteson, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Burbank, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Lansing, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Matteson, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Prep Cook

Burbank, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Cook information

See Crete, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Crete, IL is $15.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.59 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 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.

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.

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.

Is a prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves preparing ingredients and assisting with kitchen tasks, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves standing for long periods, working quickly during busy hours, and following safety and hygiene standards. Experience with kitchen tools and time management skills can help manage the workload effectively.

What does a prep cook do?

A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and basic dishes in a kitchen, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assembling components for chefs. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using knives, food processors, and other kitchen tools, and typically follow food safety and sanitation standards.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Crete, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,256 per year, or $15 per hour.

$20 - $22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Midtown is looking for a talented Full Time and Part Time Prep Cooks to enhance our stellar restaurant experience.
What You'll Do
Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient food. As an integral part of our F&B team, you'll be preparing and artfully plating delicious meal options, and doing so, while maintaining a safe & sanitary workspace.
Why You'll Love It
  • You'll be joining a team that takes "collaboration" to another level. We work together to support all aspects of the food & beverage experience and we don't hesitate to step outside our comfort zones to help one another be successful. This is a unique learning opportunity for you to become familiar with multiple areas of the business, including fitness, racquet sports, and spa. We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time, Maternity & Paternity leave.)

What Your Days Will Look Like
  • Wash, chop, store, and handle ingredients
  • Prepares raw ingredients for use in recipes
  • Quickly and efficiently prepare sauces and garnishes and assists our cook with basic recipes, following established recipes and presentation standards
  • Maintain clean and sanitary kitchen areas to promote a safe and enjoyable member experience
  • Assisting with periodic catering events

You'd Be a Great Fit If You...
  • Are passionate about preparing and cooking delicious meals for others
  • Are able to pass a background check screening
  • Have excellent professional references
  • Have a passion for helping others
  • Display Kindness
  • Bring optimism to work each day
  • Are relentless about showing pride in your work, every day
  • A willingness to listen to constructive feedback and apply it moving forward
  • Understand the importance of complying with Department of Health-sanitary guidelines

  • Have the ability to work gracefully and quickly under pressure
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Bonus Points if You Have:
  • At least one year of food preparation and cooking experience
  • Teamwork and collaboration as part of your DNA
  • Current ServSafe certification (food handler & allergen)
  • An insatiable desire to deliver exceptionally consistent and meticulously prepared food & beverages as their language of hospitality.

The Other Stuff
Our prep cook team is on time and ready to deliver our best work. We anticipate problems and do our best to take preventative measures for our members. At times, we host member events that include the food & beverage department.
We would hate to miss out on your application because you do not meet every requirement - transferrable skills and education will also be considered, so please do not hesitate to apply!
Benefits & Perks:
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Dining Discounts, Wellness Program
Compensation: $20-$22 per hour, depending on experience.
https://careers.midtown.com/about-us/benefits/
This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
MIDTOWN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
MIDTOWN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.