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Temporary Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Uni

Temporary - Cook I

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.27/hr

Serving up the #1 college food in Iowa, UNI Dining Services has temporary Cook I positions open. Under direct supervision, prepares quality foods for meals in student dining center for the Department ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

O Fallon, IL

$16.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a temporary COOK position. * Location : Memorial Hospital East - 1404 Cross Street, O Fallon, IL 62269. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Temporary ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

O Fallon, IL

$16.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a temporary COOK position. * Location : Memorial Hospital East - 1404 Cross Street, O Fallon, IL 62269. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Temporary ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Belleville, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a temporary COOK position. * Location : Memorial Hospital Belleville - 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville, IL 62226. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Belleville, IL

$16.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a temporary COOK position. * Location : Memorial Hospital Belleville - 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville, IL 62226. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

Compass Group

COOK

O Fallon, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Temporary schedule; flexible. Days and hours may vary; 1st and 2nd shifts. Rotating weekends. More details upon interview. * Requirement : Previous line and prep cooking experience is preferred.

Compass Group

COOK

Belleville, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Schedule : Temporary schedule. Days and hours may vary; 1st and 2nd shifts. Rotating weekends included. More details upon interview. * Requirement : 2 years of previous cooking experience is ...

SPIN

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN Chicago

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN Chicago

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN Chicago

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN Chicago

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

SPIN Chicago

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Summary Ideal Cook candidates must have previous hospitality or restaurant experience and be fun ... I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the ...

Bridge Point

Experienced Cooks

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

Prepare and cook food according to established recipes, menus, and standards. * Perform food ... Temp-to-hire, with the potential for permanent employment if there is interest from both parties

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$17.76 - $22.21/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

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Temporary Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Illinois is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cook?

Temporary cooks are culinary professionals hired for a limited period to prepare and cook food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, catering events, hotels, or institutional kitchens. They often fill in during staff shortages, busy seasons, or special events. Temporary cooks may be employed through staffing agencies or directly by employers, and their assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks. They are expected to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and follow the specific recipes, safety, and hygiene standards of each workplace.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and experience with various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food storage protocols is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for success in fast-paced, changing environments. These competencies ensure efficient service, food quality, and seamless integration into different kitchen teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectTemporary CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSame as temporary; often requires additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various settings like events, catering, or seasonal kitchensLong-term employment in restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, project-based, or seasonalPermanent, ongoing employment
Employer UsageEvent companies, catering services, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools

Temporary Cooks typically work on short-term or seasonal projects, often through agencies or for specific events, while Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a consistent work environment. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Cook jobs in Illinois?

For Temporary Cook jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Temporary Cook job openings:

Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,307 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Temporary - Cook I

Uni

Campus, IL • On-site

$18.27/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type "Find Jobs" in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.

Full Consideration Date:

Applications are being continuously accepted.

Job Description:

Join the team making it happen! Serving up the #1 college food in Iowa, UNI Dining Services has temporary Cook I positions open.

Under direct supervision, prepares quality foods for meals in student dining center for the Department of Housing and Dining; cleans and secures kitchen areas following preparation of meals; directs student and temporary employees in the service of prepared food, the cleaning of the kitchen; and performs other related duties as assigned.We are seeking skilled, organized and hard working team oriented individuals who have the ability to work efficiently in a fast paced environment. In addition, applicants must have good communication skills and positive attitudes.

Temporary positions are limited to a maximum of 1040 hours per fiscal year. Hourly rate is $18.27.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. A resume and cover letter are not required for this position but can be attached when applying. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.


Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.


If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.


Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.


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