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Prep Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL

$14 - $17.75/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $17.50 / hour. Monday-Friday: 11am-Midnight Saturday/Sunday: 10am-Midnight If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL

$14 - $17.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Prep Cook

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep in Elgin, IL is $14.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prep vs Teacher?

AspectPrepTeacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification often required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, tutoring centers, online platformsClassrooms, schools, educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, tutoring companies, online education providersPublic and private schools, educational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonPrep vs Teacher

Prep roles typically involve assisting teachers or preparing students for exams, often requiring less formal education. Teachers are responsible for delivering instruction, managing classrooms, and developing curricula, usually requiring a degree and certification. While both work in educational settings, teachers have a broader scope of responsibilities and formal qualifications compared to prep roles.

What are the typical challenges faced by prep cooks during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Prep Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where maintaining speed and accuracy is essential. Common challenges include keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining a clean and organized workstation under time constraints. To succeed, Prep Cooks benefit from strong time management skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and a proactive approach to replenishing ingredients and supplies. Staying organized and prioritizing tasks are key strategies to handle the demands of the role effectively.

What is a prep?

Prep workers, also known as food preparation workers, are responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or cooks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in work areas, and helping with basic cooking tasks. Prep workers play a crucial role in ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently and safely by keeping the kitchen organized and ready for service.

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 often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and recipe management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in a busy restaurant environment.

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

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

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Prep jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Prep job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep 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 $29,423 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Lazy Dog Restaurants rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Certified Great Place to Work 8 Years in a row!
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks earn $19 / hour.
If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a high-energy environment, then this is the job for you.
What we offer:
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Teammate discount
  • Supplemental medical, dental, vision, 401k
  • Discounted supplemental benefits
  • Eligibility for an Emergency Financial plan
  • Discounts to theme parks, pet insurance, Legal and Identity Theft Insurance
  • A family that supports YOUR personal and professional growth

We are looking for experienced Full-Service Prep Cooks:
  • 2 to 5 years' experience on a fast-paced line.
  • Follow food safety procedures, daily prep list, prepare specific recipes for service; clean, sanitize and maintain equipment, utensils, and tools throughout kitchen.
  • Ensure only "fresh" high quality ingredients are used when preparing all recipes.
  • Ensure the proper recipe is displayed on the monitor during the preparation and cooking process.
  • Ensure proper recipe adherence is followed whenever producing items.
  • You are safe and maintain a safe work environment by ensuring floor surfaces are clean, dry and free from debris.
  • Ensure proper use of PPE when applicable and ensuring a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of cooking equipment in assigned cooking station to include startup, shut down, shift maintenance and cleaning as needed
  • Keep a clean and organized workstation.
  • Guest focused and like to multi-task.
  • Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrates basic English/Spanish communication skills.
  • Trusting, passionate, humble and gracious team player.
  • Build lasting relationships with trust and respect.
  • Create fun.

Education
  • High School (preferred)

Licenses & Certifications
  • Food Handlers Card (California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, Virginia)

Join Lazy Dog and be part of a culture of caring, great benefits, and continuous growth.

What Lazy Dog Restaurants employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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