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Temp Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Northbrook, IL

$16 - $20/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Deer Park, IL

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Northbrook, IL

$16 - $20/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$16 - $20/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Compass Group

HELPER COOK

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells K12

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Family Focus

Cook (Childcare Center)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.66/hr

Cook Location: Family Focus - South Shore Supervisor: Site Director Welcome to Family Focus, where ... If such tasks are not of a temporary nature, they should be added to this list of designated job ...

Family Focus

Cook (Childcare Center)

Chicago, IL

$17.66/hr

Cook Location: Family Focus - South Shore Supervisor: Site Director Welcome to Family Focus, where ... If such tasks are not of a temporary nature, they should be added to this list of designated job ...

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Community High School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Rock IT Tacos

Cook

Cicero, IL

$15 - $19/hr

Position Title Department Reports to Cook Back of House Kitchen Manager Employment Status FLSA Status Effective Date ☐ Temporary ☒ Full-Time ☒ Part-Time ☒ Non-Exempt ☐ Exempt 11/1/2023 ...

Advocate Aurora Health

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

Hot line service cook experience preferedSanitation Certified (within 3 months of hire) Physical ... diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsTemp Cook JobsTemp Cook Jobs in Illinois

Temp Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do temp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp cook in Illinois is $15.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temp cook?

Temp cooks are culinary professionals who work on a temporary basis, often filling in for permanent staff at restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or other food service establishments. They may be hired through staffing agencies or directly by businesses to cover short-term needs such as staff shortages, special events, or busy seasons. Temp cooks are expected to quickly adapt to different kitchens, follow recipes and safety standards, and maintain high food quality. Their work can vary from basic food prep to full meal preparation, depending on the assignment. This role offers flexibility and exposure to different culinary environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temp cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temp Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and prior kitchen experience, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and basic inventory management are commonly required. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication help temp cooks excel in varied, fast-paced environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and seamless integration into different teams and settings.

What are some common challenges temp cooks face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Cooks often work in unfamiliar kitchens with varying equipment, menus, and workflows, which can make it challenging to quickly integrate and perform efficiently. They must be able to learn new procedures rapidly, adapt to different team dynamics, and maintain high standards under time constraints. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential, as Temp Cooks regularly collaborate with permanent staff and must uphold consistency in food quality despite changing environments.

What is the difference between Temp Cook vs Part-Time Cook?

AspectTemp CookPart-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsConsistent schedule, same location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedRegular, scheduled hours
Industry UsageEvent catering, seasonal workRestaurants, cafes, catering

Temp Cooks typically work on short-term assignments at various locations, often for events or seasonal needs, requiring similar credentials as part-time cooks. Part-Time Cooks have a regular schedule at a specific establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require basic culinary skills and food safety certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Temp Cook jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Temp Cook job openings:

Temp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,855 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Line Cook

J Alexander's

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

LINE COOK
J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily scratch made wood-fired cuisine.
We strive to provide the highest-quality food and service in the hospitality industry, while fostering a culture of working hard, paying attention to details, and providing our guests with the best, all-around dining experience possible. We have immense pride in being a leader in the hospitality industry. It's a part of the company DNA.
Our compensation is at the top of the industry, but life is more than a paycheck. A workplace needs to inspire both professional and personal growth while motivating their leaders to reach their goals. And you can find that with us.
Why Choose Us:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Flexible scheduling
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Opportunity for Upward Growth

Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age to operate kitchen equipment.
  • 1 yr. previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required.
  • Experience and knowledge of kitchen equipment including but not limited to knives, slicer, mixer, stoves, and ovens required.
  • Flexible to work a variety of shifts.

Job Description: Our restaurants operate professional, fast-paced, scratch kitchens. We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room. Coordination of designated positions requires strong communication and teamwork with other employees, including assembler, expo, and all members of management. This position must manage ticket orders for proteins and is responsible for the execution of proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and workspace. Proper sanitation protocols must be followed. Responsibilities also include opening duties and closing cleaning duties.
We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. As an SPB Hospitality Team Member you may be asked to perform additional related duties to meet ongoing needs.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications

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