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Temporary Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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.

THE ALBERT COOK Full-Time, AM Shift

DREAMWEAVER HOTELS LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Posting: Cook at the Albert Restaurant (Full-Time, PM)

Position: Cook
Location: The Albert at Hotel EMC2,  228 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Employment Type: Full-Time, AM

Join the dynamic culinary team at The Albert, an intimate downtown Chicago restaurant at Hotel EMC2, inspired by art, science, and innovation. Under the leadership of acclaimed Chef David Danielson.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare menu items following recipes, yield guides, and department standards while maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and organization in all work areas.

  • Work on the line during service, assist across culinary stations, monitor shortages, and communicate with chefs to ensure seamless operations.

  • Stock tools, supplies, and equipment; follow health department protocols, safety policies, and hotel break/attendance guidelines.

Qualifications

  • At least 2 years of experience as a cook in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant or hotel kitchen, with strong knife skills and knowledge of cooking techniques, weights, measures, and equipment.

  • Excellent customer service skills, ability to stand/walk for shifts, lift up to 30 lbs, and fluency in English (speak, read, write).

  • Professional demeanor, flexibility to work all culinary areas, and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

  • High School Diploma or GED Required, Must be at least 18 years old

Compensation and Benefits

  • $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:

  • Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
  • Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
  • Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.

  • Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
  • Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
  • Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
  • Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.

  • Travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide

  • Career growth and training opportunities 

  • Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events

Please note that eligibility for certain benefits may vary depending on your employment status. Detailed information, including plan summaries and enrollment instructions, will be provided during onboarding or upon request. This summary complies with applicable state laws and is subject to change based on legislative updates or company policies.

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