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Assistant Cook Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Vets Hired

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Cook/Culinary Assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service. This role ...

Cassia

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Cassia

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Life Care Services

PT Chef Assistant/Line cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Asbury Village

PT Chef Assistant/Line cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Life Care Services

PT Chef Assistant/Line cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ames, IA

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

YSS

Cook (55533)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Iowa Youth Services

Cook (55533)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Iowa Youth Services

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

YSS

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Accura HealthCare of Ames

Cook - Part-Time

Ames, IA

$16/hr

This job is a hybrid position in which the ideal candidate would be performing the duties of a Cook 2-3 shifts/week and then performing the duties of a Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week ...

Accura HealthCare of Ames

Cook - Part-Time

Ames, IA · On-site

$16/hr

This job is a hybrid position in which the ideal candidate would be performing the duties of a Cook 2-3 shifts/week and then performing the duties of a Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week ...

Laurus Home Care

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Full-Time Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Story County Medical Center

Cook - Part Time

Nevada, IA · On-site

$17 - $25.50/hr

Join us at Story County Medical Center as a Cook within our Food and Nutrition department! Located ... * Assist in the distribution and set-up of patient/resident trays as assigned. * Assist in ...

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Assistant Cook information

See Ames, IA salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Ames, IA is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingHigh school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep workPrepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles, support tasksCompared for active cooking during service

The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.

What does an assistant cook do?

Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.

What is an assistant cook?

Assistant Cooks are kitchen staff members who support chefs and head cooks in preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting with basic cooking techniques. Assistant Cooks also help with cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen, especially in busy restaurants or catering services.

How does an assistant cook typically collaborate with the kitchen team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, an Assistant Cook works closely with chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations. This includes prepping ingredients, supporting the assembly of dishes, and maintaining cleanliness at workstations. Effective communication is key, as instructions often come quickly and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and proactive in assisting team members helps maintain efficiency and high food quality standards.
More about Assistant Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
Assistant Cook jobs near you

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Vets Hired

Johnston, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Cook/Culinary Assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service. This role supports daily kitchen operations, assists with meal preparation and service, maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards, and helps meet the dietary needs of residents, staff, and guests.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and quality standards.
  • Assist with food preparation and meal service.
  • Monitor food inventory and report low-stock or high-demand items.
  • Provide excellent customer service to residents, staff, and visitors.
  • Support the delivery of nutritious meals and quality dining services.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food preparation areas.
  • Wash dishes and kitchen equipment as needed.
  • Assist with accommodating various dietary requirements.
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements / Skills
  • Minimum 1 year of commercial cooking or food preparation experience.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent customer service abilities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic math skills.
  • Knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and sanitation practices.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.