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Prep Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$12 - $15.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Crew Member

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$12 - $15.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Apply Early

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...

As a Cook on our team, you will play a crucial role in creating high-quality dishes that exceed our members' expectations. You will prepare and cook a variety of meals with precision and care ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Sub Cook

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Sub Cook

Girard, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

Full Time Cook

Virden, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Full Time Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. The position includes cooking ...

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Cook - Full Time

Girard, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

COOK Minimum Qualifications: * Knowledge of food preparation * Ability to work as an effective team member * Basic physical and visual activities are required * Criminal background checks are ...

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Prep Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Springfield, IL is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.16 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.

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 prep cooks?

Prep cooks are kitchen professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components needed for recipes. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing workstations and ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently. Prep cooks support chefs and line cooks by making sure everything is ready for meal preparation and service. This role is essential in both restaurants and catering operations, as it helps maintain a smooth workflow and consistent food quality.

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 the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? For Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,338 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Cook-Concordia Village-FT-Day/Evening

Cook-Concordia Village-FT-Day/Evening

Lutheran Senior Services

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $23.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Lutheran Senior Services rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 232 rated social care providers


Job description

Job Description:
Introduction
At EverTrue, team members at all levels find their calling in our mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest. In this work environment, all team members are part of a community and appreciated by the people they work with - residents and coworkers - every day.
Summary
Prepares meals in an efficient and appealing manner according to the provided menus and recipes while directing other dining staff as needed to ensure a quality food product is provided for the resident/customer. This may be under the direction of Chefs and Dining Service Supervisors. Upholds the phi
Responsibilities
1. Prepares breakfast, lunch, dinner, alternative menus, special event and catering foods, cafeteria foods and dietary restricted foods following standardized recipes and production sheets or as directed.
2. Prepares high quality meals that taste and smell good and have a pleasing appearance and presentation. Tests and tastes food to ensure quality flavor, consistency, texture and temperature.
3. Prepares appropriate size portions and quantity of food adhering to standardized production menus when appropriate. Prepares alternate food items and/or additional quantities when requested by resident or customer in a timely fashion.
4. Maintains proper sanitation in the kitchen and dining area keeping areas clean and organized. Utilizes and maintains equipment according to safety and standard operating instructions.
5. Follows infection control and safety procedures, including proper hand washing, food preparation, food storage, food disposal and wearing protective clothing and equipment.
6. Follows all safety procedures and protocol as dictated by EverTrue policy, federal and state regulations and standard food handling practice and correct and/or report all hazardous conditions, defective equipment and accidents or incidents to the supervisor immediately.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Two years' experience of institutional cooking, prep cooking or kitchen work preferred
• Must have or be willing to receive a Hepatitis A vaccine if working within St. Louis County (in accordance with County health regulations)
• Ability to plan, organize, interpret, make independent decisions and direct work of employees
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
The physical activities and demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities. May need to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of 50 pounds throughout the work day. Employee regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. Employee frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee occasionally required to climb or balance self. Employee occasionally required to taste or smell.
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile residents within the facility. Employee will work in a well-lighted and ventilated working area that has its own temperature control system (air conditioning and heat). Subject to frequent interruptions. Subject to falls, burns, odors, etc., throughout the work day. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B virus. Subject to sudden temperature changes. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Appropriate ergonomic and personal safety equipment is provided as needed.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards.
EverTrue Pay & Benefits
Pay grade: 08, $15.00/hour to $23.30/hour.
Eligible for shift differentials: No.
For information on EverTrue benefits-eligibility by employment status, please see below.
All employees: Paid Time Off (PTO) and PTO Sell-back, Retirement savings benefits with an employer match contribution, Education Financial Assistance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Wellness, Pay advances (PayActiv), Caregiver support (TCARE), Leaves of Absence, Special retail deals and discounts (Perkspot), and Commuter support.
Part-time: In addition to the benefits provided to all employees... Extended Sick Pay, Bereavement Pay, and Jury Duty Pay.
Full-time or Weekend Option: In addition to the benefits provided to all employees and Part-time employees... Medical/Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care), Life insurance, Disability (Long-term and Short-term), Voya income protection benefits (Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident), and Pet insurance.
Additional Information:
N/A

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About Lutheran Senior Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For over 160 years, Lutheran Senior Services has been at the forefront of exceptional quality services with a faith-inspired, mission-driven focus. Every senior we serve, each family member and friend, and every single team member who works alongside us is unique, with life experience, wisdom, gifts, and talents to be honored, cherished, and celebrated. We are also grateful for both national and local partnerships who support us in our Christian mission – from church partners to other not-for-profit organizations.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, MO, US

Year founded

1858