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Prep Cook Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Elior North America

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook Job Reference Number: 42614 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy The Role at a ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook Job Reference Number: 42614 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy The Role at a ...

Bickford Senior Living

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Elior North America

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook Job Reference Number: 42614 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy The Role at a ...

Bickford Senior Living

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Bickford of Oswego

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL

$15.50 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Bickford of Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$15.50 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Bickford of Rockford

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Bickford Senior Living

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$14.25 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by maintaining ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by maintaining ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

PENN Entertainment, Inc.

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and high-quality dishes. This role supports the culinary team by ...

Applebee's

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

Applebee's

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Prep Cook information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in DeKalb, IL is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.97 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.
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Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in DeKalb, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,025 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL • On-site

Elior North America
Food and Beverage Stores • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Elior North Americaexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Prep Cook
Job Reference Number: 42614
Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite Segment: Education
Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining
Location: Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy
The Role at a glance:
We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff. You will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, efficient environment and cook delicious meals. If you are driven, passionate about preparing and serving high quality meals, and are looking for an organization that promotes your personal growth, this could be the right role for you. Please read on!
What you'll be doing:
  • Quality and portion control
  • Food preparation
  • Creative food presentation
  • Maintaining kitchen
  • Ensuring food is stored properly
  • Following safe food handling policies, procedures and recipes

What we're looking for:
Must-haves:
  • At least one years' prior culinary experience in a quality and high-volume establishment with an emphasis on scratch cooking
  • Working knowledge of proper culinary methods, techniques, and standards.
  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform multiple tasks in fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to use various kitchen equipment and tools as well as identify and differentiate food items.
  • Customer service experience is required.

Nice-to-haves:
  • Food handlers' certification

Compensation Range
$20 an hour
Our Benefits:
  • Medical (FT Employees)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • Discount Program
  • Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit)
  • EAP
  • 401k
  • Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
  • Paid Time Off

About Elior Independent School Dining:
Elior Independent School Dining partners with schools to create thoughtful, student-focused dining experiences that go beyond the plate. We serve as an extension of your campus, tailoring our programs to reflect your school's unique culture and mission. With a strong focus on well-being and community, we provide expert service, culinary creativity, and a personal touch that supports students' growth and success.
About Elior-North America:
Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.
At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you've gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.
Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.
Current employees: please log into our system to apply
Elior North America logo

About Elior North America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elior North America enhances people's lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. Our family of companies, with more than 17,000 employees, provides food services and catering to over 1,500 client accounts in five industry segments across the continental United States. We are proud to be the fifth largest culinary management company in the country and excited to be the fastest growing organization in the industry. We focus on three ingredients for success to differentiate Elior from our competitors and position our company as a disruptor in the markets we serve. To support our ingredients for success and drive our mission and values, we need talented team members throughout our family of companies.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2008

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