Line Cook Jobs in Chicago,IL
Ready to start as a Line Cook in Chicago, IL? We have 63 available for Line Cook positions in the restaurant and hospitality field. Explore the options and find the best fit for your skills!
Line Cook Jobs in Chicago (Hiring Now!)
Chicago has some of the best-paying Line Cook jobs in the Midwest. Browse our latest listings to find an opportunity that matches your skill level and career goals. Many restaurants offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities to work under top Chefs.
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Line Cook job
COOK job
Prep Cook job
SKILLED LINE COOK – PM SHIFT (CINDY'S ROOFTOP)
Pierrot Gourmet Cook
Cook – Multiple Locations
Cook Starting Wage $23hr
Food Service Worker
Chef de Partie
Line Cook job
How To Apply for Line Cook Jobs in Chicago
If you want to land a Line Cook job in Chicago, follow these steps to set yourself apart:
- Update Your Resume: List any relevant kitchen or food service experience. If you have expertise in grilling, sautéing, baking, or specific cuisines, highlight that.
- Obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate: In Illinois, most food workers are required to complete a state-approved Food Handler Training. Having this certification makes you a stronger candidate.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Many restaurants hire through referrals, so let chefs, restaurant managers, and fellow cooks know you’re looking for a job.
- Be Ready for a Skills Test: Some Chicago restaurants will ask you to complete a short trial shift (stage) to demonstrate your cooking ability before offering a position.
- Search on Hospitality Job Boards: Check OysterLink, a top job board for restaurant and hospitality professionals, for the latest Line Cook job openings in Chicago.
Why Work as a Line Cook in Chicago?
Chicago is home to one of the most exciting food scenes in the U.S., making it an excellent place for Line Cooks to learn, grow, and advance. Here’s why working in a Chicago kitchen is a great career move:
- Competitive Salaries: Line Cooks in Chicago earn between $38,000 and $50,000 per year, with top-tier restaurants and hotels offering higher pay.
- Diverse Culinary Opportunities: Chicago’s food scene includes steakhouses, Italian, Latin American, Asian fusion, and farm-to-table restaurants, giving Line Cooks exposure to different cooking styles.
- Strong Career Growth: Many of today’s top chefs started as Line Cooks. With dedication, you can advance to Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Executive Chef.
- Job Security: With thousands of restaurants across the city, skilled Line Cooks are always in demand, making this a stable career choice.
Key Responsibilities of a Line Cook in Chicago
As a Line Cook, your role will involve:
- Preparing ingredients and setting up cooking stations before service
- Cooking and plating dishes according to restaurant standards
- Following food safety and sanitation procedures
- Managing kitchen inventory and assisting with restocking supplies
- Working efficiently during peak hours to keep up with customer demand
- Collaborating with the kitchen team to ensure smooth service
Top Areas to Find Line Cook Jobs in Chicago
Chicago has a thriving hospitality industry, with great job opportunities in:
- Chinatown & Pilsen – Great areas to gain experience in Asian, Mexican, and fusion cuisines
- West Loop – Known for high-end steakhouses, fine dining, and trendy eateries
- River North – A hotspot for cocktail lounges, gastropubs, and upscale restaurants
- Wicker Park & Logan Square – Perfect for those looking to work in innovative, chef-driven restaurants
- Downtown & The Loop – Offers jobs in hotel kitchens, corporate dining, and fast-paced restaurants
Resources for Line Cook
FAQs About Line Cook Jobs in Chicago
Line Cooks in Chicago typically earn between $38,000 and $50,000 per year, with wages depending on experience, restaurant type, and location. Some high-end restaurants and hotels offer higher salaries, benefits, and tip-sharing opportunities.
No, most Line Cook jobs in Chicago do not require formal culinary school training. Many restaurants provide on-the-job training and prefer hands-on experience over a degree. However, if you’re aiming to work in fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants, a culinary background can help.
To move up from Line Cook to Sous Chef, focus on mastering multiple stations, improving speed and consistency, and taking on leadership responsibilities. Many restaurants promote from within, so showing initiative and strong work ethic can accelerate career growth.
Chicago kitchens are fast-paced and high-energy, especially in busy areas like The Loop, River North, and West Loop. Expect long shifts, high-volume service, and demanding but rewarding work environments. Having stamina, teamwork skills, and a willingness to learn will help you succeed.
To stand out, tailor your resume to highlight skills relevant to the job, such as experience with high-volume service, knowledge of specific cuisines, or proficiency in grilling, sautéing, or baking. Mention any specialty skills like butchery, pasta-making, or sauce preparation.
Also, be flexible with scheduling, as many restaurants prefer candidates who can work nights and weekends.
