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Prep Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Glenview, IL · On-site

$15 - $24/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15 - $24/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 ...

Prep

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$22/hr

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is about: * Follow recipes, procedures, portion controls and presentation specifications as set. * Set-up ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15 - $24/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 ...

Food Prep Person

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

The Food Prep Person is responsible for the preparation (cutting, slicing, peeling, etc.) of all fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in Golden Corral. The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet ...

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 ...

Prep

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$22/hr

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is about: * Follow recipes, procedures, portion controls and presentation specifications as set. * Set-up ...

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 ...

The Food Prep Person is responsible for the preparation (cutting, slicing, peeling, etc.) of all fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in Golden Corral. The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet ...

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 ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

Prep Cook

Ēma

Glenview, IL • On-site

$15 - $24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

We're hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS!
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 Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • 401(k)

Ēma, a Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. Located in Glenview, on Patriot Blvd and East Lake Ave. This marks the second location for Ēma, with the first originating in Chicago's River North neighborhood in June 2016.
Caring. Creative. Careers.
Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team.
EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify
PREP COOK JOB DESCRIPTION
Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.
Essential Functions
  • Prepare food items and ingredients needed for menu items according to prescribed recipes and/or special requests
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multi-task calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
  • Maintain food safety and quality standards
  • Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently
  • Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator
  • Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed