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Catering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

BBQ Holdings

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

BBQ Holdings

Catering

West Des Moines, IA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

Famous Daves

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

Creative Dining Services

Catering Manager

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$47K - $52K/yr

The Catering Manager works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that excellence in customer service is being provided throughout each catered event, while assuring that food is presented ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Barista and catering experience preferred. Willing to train. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $16.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Johnston, IA · On-site

* We are hiring immediately for a full time and part time CATERING ATTENDANT position. * Location : Corteva Ceres Cafe - 7000 Northwest 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131. Note: online applications ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Catering Coordinator

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Catering Coordinator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Grimes, IA

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

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All JobsCatering JobsCatering Jobs in Iowa

Catering information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in Iowa is $20.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering job consist of?

A catering job involves preparing, serving, and delivering food and beverages for events such as parties, weddings, or corporate functions. It often requires setting up tables, maintaining cleanliness, and providing customer service, with skills in food safety and time management being important. The work environment can be fast-paced and may involve working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

What qualifications are needed for catering?

Catering jobs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with good customer service skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Experience in food service or hospitality is often preferred, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe may be required or beneficial. Physical stamina and flexibility for working irregular hours are also important.

What is the difference between Catering vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCateringFood Service Worker
CredentialsOften requires food safety certifications, catering-specific trainingTypically requires basic food handling permits
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, private parties, corporate eventsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, catering servicesRestaurants, food establishments, hospitality industry
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing food at eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness

While both catering and food service workers handle food, catering focuses on preparing and serving food at special events and requires event-specific skills and certifications. Food service workers typically work in restaurants or cafeterias, providing daily customer service. The roles overlap in food handling but differ in environment and scope.

Is there good money in catering?

Catering jobs can offer varying pay depending on experience, location, and event size. Entry-level positions may pay minimum wage, while experienced caterers or those working for high-end events can earn higher wages or tips. Skilled roles such as chefs or event managers typically have higher earning potential.

What Is the Difference Between a Caterer and a Chef?

The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.

What is catering?

Catering is a service that provides food and beverages for events, gatherings, or organizations, often including preparation, delivery, set-up, and sometimes service staff. Caterers work for a variety of occasions such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and conferences. The service can range from delivering prepared meals to full-service event planning, including menu design, table settings, and cleanup. Catering companies work closely with clients to customize menus and ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

What is the best way to find catering jobs?

Catering jobs can be found through online job boards, company websites, and industry-specific staffing agencies. Networking within the hospitality industry and obtaining relevant certifications, such as food safety, can also improve job prospects. Applying directly to catering companies and attending industry events are effective strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catering Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in catering, you need strong organizational skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in culinary preparation, often backed by a relevant food handling certificate. Familiarity with catering management software, commercial kitchen equipment, and event planning tools is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in dynamic, client-focused environments. These skills ensure events run smoothly, client expectations are met, and food safety and quality standards are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by catering professionals during large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering professionals often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to guest counts, accommodating dietary restrictions, and coordinating with multiple vendors or event planners. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and flexibility. Establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with clients and team members, and preparing contingency plans can help ensure events run smoothly and client expectations are met.
More about Catering jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Catering jobs in Iowa? For Catering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Catering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Catering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Catering job openings:
Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,275 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Catering Server At Farmhouse Catering

Farmhouse Catering

Nevada, IA • On-site

$10 - $13/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

Farmhouse Catering in Nevada, IA, is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic on-site and off-site catering servers to join our dynamic team. As an integral part of our catering staff, you will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences. As a server, you will be scheduled for off-site (within an hour radius of us) as well as at our on-site venue. This role is partial part-time. We do not guarantee a minimum number of hours each week. There will be some weeks when no hours may be available for everyone.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and have a passion for delivering top-notch service, we invite you to apply and become a key contributor to our success.

Responsibilities:

  • Event Setup and Breakdown: Assist in the setup and breakdown of serving tables and stations, and other equipment according to event plans and specifications.
  • Service Excellence: Provide impeccable guest service during events, maintaining a professional and friendly demeanor at all times. Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly, ensuring a positive and memorable experience.
  • Food and Beverage Service: Serve food and beverages to guests following established protocols, ensuring accuracy in orders and adherence to dietary preferences or restrictions. Maintain a neat presentation of food and beverage stations.
  • Table Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of dining areas, including clearing dishes, replenishing utensils, and managing spills promptly.
  • Communication: Collaborate effectively with other team members, event coordinators, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth communication and efficient service flow.
  • Problem Solving: Address guest concerns and special requests with professionalism and attentiveness, escalating issues as necessary while finding effective solutions to maintain guest satisfaction.
  • Upkeep of Equipment: Handle event equipment and tools with care, reporting any malfunction or damage promptly to supervisors.
  • Safety and Hygiene: Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices to ensure the well-being of guests and colleagues.
  • Flexibility: Adapt to changing event requirements, including varying work schedules, roles, and responsibilities based on the demands of each event.
  • Teamwork: Work closely with the event and catering team to achieve a cohesive and efficient event execution, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in hospitality, catering, or event services is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Strong customer service skills with a friendly and approachable demeanor.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Basic knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
  • Physical stamina to stand, walk, and lift moderately heavy items for extended periods. Must be able to lift a minimum of 35lbs.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends. Must be available 2 weekends a month (Friday & Saturday). Some day shifts are occasionally available.

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly wage and potential for gratuities.
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic and exciting events environment.
  • Chance to develop valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Free meals at events.
  • Mileage reimbursement if you are required to drive your own vehicle to an off-site cater.

If you are dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences and thrive in a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply for the position. Join us in creating memorable events that leave a lasting impression on our clients and guests. To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your passion for event and catering services.


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