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Temp Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Yay Lunch

Lead Cook - St. Charles

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$22/hr

About the Role (STP) The Lead Cook is the engine of the Yay kitchen. You're the first one in and ... Production moves on schedule, temps are verified, and food hits the line looking and tasting ...

Compass Group

COOK

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Perks : Free shift meals, free uniforms, EvenPay, and ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK

East Saint Louis, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time COOK positions. * Location : East Saint Louis School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Advocate Aurora Health

PM Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

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

DREAMWEAVER HOTELS LLC

Prep Cook - the Wit

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Position Overview - Prep Cook theWit Chicago is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Prep Cook to ... Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability. * Voluntary Long-Term ...

The Whit Hotel

Prep Cook - the Wit

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Position Overview - Prep Cook theWit Chicago is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Prep Cook to ... Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability. * Voluntary Long-Term ...

Compass Group

COOK (PART TIME)

East Saint Louis, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time COOK positions. * Location : East Saint Louis School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Elmhurst, IL

$24/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Perks : Free shift meals, free uniforms, EvenPay, and ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK (PART TIME)

East Saint Louis, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time COOK positions. * Location : East Saint Louis School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Perks : Free shift meals, free uniforms, EvenPay, and ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells K12

COOK (PART TIME)

East Saint Louis, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time COOK positions. * Location : East Saint Louis School ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/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 ...

Paisans Pizzeria

Pizza Cook

Chicago, IL

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

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Lead Cook - St. Charles

Yay Lunch

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$22/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

About the Role (STP)
The Lead Cook is the engine of the Yay kitchen. You're the first one in and the person the team looks to when production gets moving. This is a hands-on cooking role - you're at the line, in the prep, making sure every meal that goes to students is on spec and on time. You also help keep the kitchen organized and set the standard for how the team works.
This is the right role if you love to cook, take pride in consistency, and want to be trusted to run the kitchen when it matters.
What You'll Do
  • Hot Food Production: You and your team cook from recipe cards - not memory - and portion correctly every time. Spot check portions, verify temperatures, and keep production on schedule.
  • Cold Batch Production: Cold items - fruit cups, veggie packs, snack packs, wraps, salads, and similar - are produced once or twice per week on a set batch day. You ensure the batch is completed on time, portioned correctly, labeled immediately with prep date and use-by date, and stored at 41°F or below. FEFO is enforced at all times - oldest product forward, newest to the back. No cold items are produced outside the batch schedule without direction from your Ops Manager. Refer to the cold item shelf life guide for use-by standards per item.
  • Kitchen Pars & Inventory Full inventory count every week - same day, same time. Order based on counts and the batch schedule. Enforce FEFO across every shelf and every fridge. Receive deliveries personally, verify against the invoice, and flag any issues before product goes into storage. Log all waste daily, review patterns weekly, and flag anything that doesn't add up.
  • Team Development Your Kitchen & Service Assistants know their roles, their specs, and your standards. Brief them at the start of every shift - 5 minutes, clear assignments, no ambiguity. On batch day, make sure everyone knows their role in the cold production process. Debrief at least twice a week. Address performance issues directly and document them in real time.
  • Sales & School Happiness You are the face of Yay at your school. Communicate proactively with school administration - menu changes, service updates, anything that might affect their day. Collect feedback from students and staff and pass it up.

Kitchen Standards
  • Complete food safety logs daily - temperatures at opening, during cooking, during holding, and at close.
  • Keep your station and shared kitchen spaces clean and organized.
  • Log waste accurately and flag anything that seems off.
  • Help receive deliveries and verify product against invoices when needed.

Team Support
  • Set the pace and the standard for the kitchen team during your shift.
  • Support and lead team members - show them the right way to do things and lead on where you need support.

What We're Looking For
  • Current Food Handler certification (required); ServSafe a plus
  • Experience in a high-volume kitchen - school food service, catering, or similar
  • Strong knife skills and comfort with both hot line and cold prep
  • Detail-oriented: you follow recipes, you label correctly, you don't cut corners
  • Reliable, on time, and ready to work hard from the moment you walk in

What a Great Day Looks Like
You arrive before the team, walk the kitchen, and know the plan before anyone else walks in. Production moves on schedule, temps are verified, and food hits the line looking and tasting exactly right. Cold batch items are portioned and labeled before the shift ends. The kitchen is clean. Your food safety log is signed off. Students got a great meal.
Compensation
  • $21/hr, 6hrs/day, 5 days/week Monday-Friday (30hrs/week)
  • Accrued paid-time off, off when school not in session

Our Values
  • Accountability - Own your station, your output, and your standards.
  • Customer-First - Every student deserves a great meal. That starts with you.
  • Positive Energy - The kitchen follows your lead. Make it a good one.

Apply