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Union Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Skokie, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure ...

Cook

Sterling, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At this facility, this position is collectively bargained under the union. Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure that ...

Cook

Skokie, IL

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure ...

Cook

Sterling, IL

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At this facility, this position is collectively bargained under the union. Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure that ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US : NoMI at ... Eligibility and coverage provided and administered through Local 1 Union. * Pension Plan:

... Cook to join our dynamic kitchen team. We are looking for someone to work either 30-40 (FT) or 16 ... Union (Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023-25) is a community-centric love letter to the pride and joy of ...

Cook

Westmont, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Union facility * Opportunities for advancement and professional growth Requirements: * 2 years of experience as a Cook or in a related field * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US: NoMI at ... Eligibility and coverage provided and administered through Local 1 Union. * Pension Plan:

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook 3 Position Available at Park Hyatt Chicago - Where Passion Meets Precision. ABOUT US : NoMI at ... Eligibility and coverage provided and administered through Local 1 Union. * Pension Plan:

Cook

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cook position within DuPage County. Multiple positions available and assigned to the Care Center ... union. As a team member at DuPage County, you will also have access to time off with pay on ...

Line Cook

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook! Are you passionate about cooking and creating unforgettable dining ... Credit Union (KCT) Ready to Join Us? Bring your skills, enthusiasm, and love for food to Randall ...

Line Cook

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook! Are you passionate about cooking and creating unforgettable dining ... Credit Union (KCT) Ready to Join Us? Bring your skills, enthusiasm, and love for food to Randall ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Dietary Department Full Time Rotating Shift Compensation: $17.05hr starting (union contract) The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Dietary Department Full Time Rotating Shift Compensation: $17.05hr starting (union contract) The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various ...

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Showing results 1-20

Union Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do union cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and often ServSafe certification is important for daily operations. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, compliance with regulations, and a harmonious, productive kitchen environment.

What is a union cook?

Union Cooks are culinary professionals who are members of a labor union, typically working in environments such as hotels, restaurants, schools, or other food service establishments. Being part of a union means they benefit from collective bargaining agreements that often provide better wages, benefits, job security, and working conditions compared to non-union positions. Union Cooks are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to established standards and safety regulations. They may also participate in union meetings and activities to ensure their workplace rights are protected. Their role is vital in maintaining high-quality food service and ensuring fair labor practices in the industry.

What is the difference between Union Cook vs Non-Union Cook?

AspectUnion CookNon-Union Cook
CredentialsMay require union-specific certifications, apprenticeship programsTypically no union-specific credentials needed
Work EnvironmentWorks in unionized facilities with collective bargaining agreementsWorks in non-unionized settings, often with more flexibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, casinos, and institutional kitchensMore prevalent in small restaurants and independent eateries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for benefits, wages, job securityCompared for flexibility, independence, and pay

Union Cooks are employed in unionized environments with collective bargaining, often enjoying better benefits and job security. Non-Union Cooks work in non-union settings, which may offer more flexibility but less job security. The choice depends on individual preferences for benefits versus independence.

What are some common challenges faced by union cooks in a large-scale kitchen environment?

Union Cooks in large-scale kitchen environments often face challenges such as managing high-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency. They must also adhere strictly to safety and sanitation standards, which can be demanding during busy service periods. Additionally, Union Cooks frequently work as part of a coordinated team, requiring strong communication and adaptability to changing menus or special dietary requests. These challenges are balanced by structured schedules and clear delineation of responsibilities, which help support a collaborative and organized work environment.

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 Union Cook jobs in Illinois?

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Union Cook jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Union Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Union Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,307 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$18.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

) The Citadel of Skokie is seeking a Cook to join their team! The Cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques resulting in foods that meet the nutritional guidelines and safety standards, treating our residents with respect. At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union
Cook Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Reviews menus prior to preparation of food.
  • Inspects special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident.
  • Performs administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submits to management.
  • Ensures that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
  • Assists in establishing food service production lines, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
  • Processes diet changes and new diets as received from nursing and dietary staff
  • Other duties as assigned.

Cook Qualifications and Skills:
  • Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Must be able to read recipes and convert ingredients to different serving sizes.
  • Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.

Cook Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Two or more years of cooking experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, extended sitting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing and pulling, ability to distinguish smells and temperatures, all with or without the aid of mechanical devices is required.

Citadel Healthcare Benefits:
  • Daily Pay & Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance.
  • Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance
  • Innovative Training Programs
  • Opportunity for Growth and Advancement
  • Paid Time Off

Apply to join a growing team today!
Citadel Healthcare has a long and successful history of providing long and short-term skilled nursing care. At Citadel, we are committed to personalized, integrated care that factors in the total well-being of every guest and their family members, and that does not just meet, but exceeds, their expectations. As part of this empathetic, respectful culture of care, we are dedicated to meeting individual preferences and needs in order to help each guest feel at home and achieve an optimal health outcome- our number one goal.
Citadel Healthcare has been nominated as a Great Place to Work. Please click on the link to learn more about our facilities. We look forward to receiving your application! https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7020324
We don't just offer care for you - we care about you.
Citadel Healthcare Facilities are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate based on any protected right such as race, color, nationality, gender, age, disability or any protected applicable right under the National Labor Relations Act.