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Test Kitchen Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Cook II

Medinah, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Understanding of portion control and presentations set by the Chef team. * Test prepared foods to ... the kitchen, walk-in coolers, and storage areas. * Maintain the cleanliness and safety of work ...

Mercyhealth

Executive Chef- Full-Time

Harvard, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

OVERVIEW The Food Production Lead supports daily kitchen operations in a healthcare setting by ... Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently. * Knowledge of various ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items ... Conducts regular taste tests to ensure consistency. * Oversees a specific station in the kitchen ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items ... Conducts regular taste tests to ensure consistency. * Oversees a specific station in the kitchen ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items ... Conducts regular taste tests to ensure consistency. * Oversees a specific station in the kitchen ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items ... Conducts regular taste tests to ensure consistency. * Oversees a specific station in the kitchen ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items ... Conducts regular taste tests to ensure consistency. * Oversees a specific station in the kitchen ...

Choicehotels

Cook II- Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago

Chicago, IL

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... all kitchen equipment accurately Taste test and evaluate foods before serving to make sure standards are met; consult with Chefs if there are any concerns. Portions food into standard portions ...

The Carriages of Bloomington

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking hard-working, dedicated Dining Services Partner (Cook/Sous Chef) for our Senior ... Maintain cleanliness of food service areas, including kitchen and dining room. * Maintain the ...

Davidson Hospitality Group

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Provide support in various kitchen duties as assigned Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your ...

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Provide support in various kitchen duties as assigned Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your ...

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Provide support in various kitchen duties as assigned Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your ...

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Provide support in various kitchen duties as assigned Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your ...

Ogilvie Chicago | Pret A Manger

Hot Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

To adhere to all kitchen health & safety and food safety standards in accordance with the law and ... To test, clean, and maintain hot food equipment according to Pret standards * To report any ...

Choicehotels

Cook I - Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago

Chicago, IL

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Operates all kitchen equipment accurately * Taste test and evaluate foods before serving to make sure standards are met; consult with Chefs if there are any concerns. * Portions food into standard ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsTest Kitchen Chef JobsTest Kitchen Chef Jobs in Illinois

Test Kitchen Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do test kitchen chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for test kitchen chef in Illinois is $23.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test kitchen chef?

A Test Kitchen Chef is a culinary professional who develops, tests, and refines recipes in a controlled kitchen environment, often for food companies, magazines, or restaurants. Their primary role is to ensure that recipes are accurate, reproducible, and meet specific standards of taste, appearance, and safety. Test Kitchen Chefs may also evaluate new ingredients, cooking techniques, or kitchen equipment, and provide feedback or recommendations. They often collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and editors to perfect recipes before they are published or used commercially.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test kitchen chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Kitchen Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, recipe development skills, and often a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food safety standards is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help you innovate and clearly convey recipe instructions. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, appealing recipes that can be reproduced consistently in various food industry settings.

How does a test kitchen chef typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams?

Test Kitchen Chefs play a vital role in bridging culinary creativity with business objectives. They regularly work alongside product development teams to create, refine, and test new recipes or food products, ensuring consistency, scalability, and quality. Collaboration extends to marketing teams, as Test Kitchen Chefs often provide insights on food trends, participate in promotional content creation, and help translate technical recipes into consumer-friendly formats. This cross-functional teamwork is both rewarding and essential to bringing successful products to market.

What is the difference between Test Kitchen Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectTest Kitchen ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degree often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, culinary training
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, product testing facilitiesRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced food service
Employer & IndustryFood companies, culinary media, product testing firmsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Primary FocusRecipe development, product testing, quality controlFood preparation, plating, and service

The Test Kitchen Chef specializes in recipe development and product testing within culinary labs or food companies, focusing on quality control and innovation. In contrast, a Line Cook works in restaurant kitchens, preparing and cooking dishes for service. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a test kitchen chef?

To become a test kitchen chef, you typically need culinary training or experience in professional kitchens, strong cooking skills, and knowledge of recipe development and food science. Many roles also require familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and the ability to test and refine recipes efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Test Kitchen Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen Chef jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Test Kitchen Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Test Kitchen Chef job openings:

Test Kitchen Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,638 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Cook II

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Medinah, IL • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Cook II
Reports to: Chef de Cuisine
Rate: $18-20/hr
Timeframe: Year-round, Full-Time, must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during special events.
Job Summary:
  • Are you passionate about food and ready to bring your culinary talents to a dynamic, multi-outlet kitchen team? Join our vibrant and skilled culinary team at Medinah Country Club, led by Executive Chef, Matthew Gilbert, where two days are ever the same!
  • We are currently seeking a motivated and skilled Cook to support our diverse range of dining experiences across the property. Whether you're looking to hone your skills in fine dining, casual fare, seasonal menus, or high-volume banquet service - we have the kitchen for you. At our club, you'll have the opportunity to work in one or more of the following outlets:
    • The Fireside - our elegant, fine-dining restaurant open year-round, where precision, creativity, and elevated cuisines are celebrated.
    • The Oasis - A casual, golfer-friendly bar & grill open year-round, serving up comfort classics and crowd-pleasers in a relaxed, fast-paced environment.
    • The Mecca - Our summer-only seasonal restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a fresh warm-weather menu, perfect for chefs who thrive on energy and innovation.
    • Banquets & Catering - A large-scale, high-performing team catering year-round to weddings, receptions, corporate events, and holiday galas. Here you'll gain experience in everything from plated dinners to elaborate buffets.
  • As a Cook at Medinah Country Club, you'll be a part of a passionate culinary team with access to growth opportunities, cross-training in multiple kitchens, and a strong commitment to the excellence we server our members on every plate.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Ability to follow recipes and build sheets.
  • Understanding of portion control and presentations set by the Chef team.
  • Test prepared foods to determine if food is properly cooked & seasoned.
  • Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary & timely manner.
  • Follow all specifications to properly set up hot and/or cold line stations.
  • Assist with the cleaning and organization of the kitchen, walk-in coolers, and storage areas.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of work areas.
  • Comply with company and departmental safety rules and regulations, including the proper handling of all relevant equipment and machinery.

Education and Experience:
  • A culinary degree or equivalent formal training is preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Cook in the restaurant industry.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills; capable of handling multiple tasks and events simultaneously.
  • Strong knowledge of proper food handling procedures.
  • Must obtain Food Handler Certification as required by the state of Illinois.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; team-oriented approach.

Additional Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and wages
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Generous PTO package
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Uniforms and meals provided

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of background check.

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