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Temporary Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$16.98 - $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.

Ron's Staffing

Be Seen First

Restaurant Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Line Cook - (Chicago, IL) Company: Ron's Staffing Position: Line Cook (PM Shift) Schedule: 4:00 PM ... temporary help. We pride ourselves on taking care of our employees better than anyone in the ...

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 ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Deer Park, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/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 ...

Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

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 · 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 · 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 ...

Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

Line Cook

Barrington, IL · On-site

$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

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

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

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

Deer Park, IL · On-site

$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 · 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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsTemporary Cook JobsTemporary Cook Jobs in Illinois

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.

Cook

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

$16.98 - $22.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Brookdale Senior Living rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 246 rated social care providers

Job description


Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
No Late Nights! Grow your career with Brookdale! Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services.
Weekends - Required
Make Lives Better Including Your Own.
If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.
Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Associate assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Referral program
  • Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
  • Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Company provided life insurance
  • Adoption benefit
  • Disability (short and long term)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account
  • Optional life and dependent life insurance
  • Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
  • Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.
Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.
The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.
Responsibilities
  • Ensures proper preparation, portioning and serving of food according to standardized recipes and menus. You will use your prior experience with cutting tools, cookware and bakeware, combined with your knowledge of cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.
  • Adheres to all sanitation and food safety standards. Maintains a clean kitchen.
  • Prepares food in a timely manner at specified meal times

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
About Us
Brookdale is a Great Place to Be:
  • Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
  • Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
  • Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
  • Industry leader in clinical care.
  • Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
  • Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.

What Brookdale Senior Living employees say

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