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Prep Cook Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Asbury Village

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 ...

Ema - Glenview

Prep Cook

Glenview, IL

$14.50 - $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 ...

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 ...

MidTown Athletic Club

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 ...

Midtown Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Glenview, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $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 ...

TCA Professional Services

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Avli Restaurant

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 ...

Beatrix - Oak Brook

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

West Dundee, 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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, 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 ...

Avli Restaurant

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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Arlington Heights, 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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, 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 ...

1029 Naperville

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Naperville, IL

$13 - $18/hr

Nando's PERi-PERi- Prep Cook/Line Cook #EveryoneIsWelcome We are NOW HIRING for our Nando's team! Full-time and part-time hours are available! We offer a fun and rewarding job with a great supportive ...

New

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Bolingbrook, IL

$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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, 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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Arlington Heights, IL

$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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Bolingbrook, 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 ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Elgin, IL

Prep Cook information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Elgin, IL is $15.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.12 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 job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,253 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Prep Cook

Asbury Village

Naperville, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

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 an extraordinary company - one that's investing in the future of senior living by investing in you. Don't just do a job. Be part of an extraordinary life!

Monarch Landing is recruiting for a hospitality-focused Prep Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands-on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.  Is responsible for maintaining a superior level of quality service and cleanliness at all times.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Sets up station according to daily production needs.
  2. Prepares the ingredients for meals including chopping fruits and vegetables, preparing meats, and measuring items.
  3. Labels and puts away inventory. 
  4. Assists in preparing food products as scheduled in the cycle menu to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner service and any catering or other special functions 
  5. Follows proper handling, preparation, and holding guidelines, takes temperatures at regular intervals, and maintains foods in sufficient quantities while minimizing over-production and waste.
  6. Follows kitchen sanitation and equipment cleaning schedule.

You will enjoy:

  • Salary: $18/hour
  • Employee assistance program
  • Discounted meals
  • Parking garage
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Resident-run employee appreciation program
  • You will enjoy being part of a great team in a fun, engaging work environment!

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. High School Diploma or GED required. 
  2. A minimum of six (6) months of high-volume food prep experience in a hotel, restaurant, club, or similar institution is required.
  3. Certificate in food service sanitation (ServSafe or equivalent) required within 90 days of hire date.
  4. Knowledge of kitchen equipment operations and maintenance. 
  5. Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
  6. Skill in proper knife handling techniques.
  7. Flu Vaccination required

If you're an enthusiastic, compassionate, senior care professional who is passionate about hospitality and senior engagement, please apply, we'd love to get to know you!

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