ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Catering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Catering Service Worker

Des Moines, IA

$17 - $20/hr

Catering Service Worker Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Catering Service Worker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Catering Service Worker Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Catering Service Worker

Des Moines, IA

$17 - $20/hr

Catering Service Worker Location: DRAKE UNIVERSITY - 55111001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 9, 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 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 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 ATTENDANT (FULL AND PART TIME)

Bon Appetit

Decorah, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Bon Appétit Management Company rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full and part time CATERING ATTENDANT positions.
  • Location: Luther college - 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full and part time; Days and hours may vary upon event schedule. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous food service experience is preferred. 
  • Pay Range:  $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour.

          *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1550657. 

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

Are you looking for a job with competitive wages and benefits, one in which you can learn and grow while making a difference in the world? We’re hiring! Bon Appétit Management Company operates more than 1,000 cafés around the country for corporations, universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We’ve led the industry in socially and environmentally responsible sourcing, from sustainable seafood to cage-free eggs. We cook everything from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.

Learn more about careers with Bon Appétit: http://www.bamco.com/careers/

Job Summary


Summary: Delivers and serves food at scheduled functions under the supervision of the catering captain. Ensures the accurate execution of all events during his/her shift. May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and after events; breaks down the setup and leaves the area neat and clean; returns leftover food and equipment to the catering facility in a timely manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assembles and delivers all food and supplies for catered functions to their scheduled locations.
  • Logs and maintains food temperatures.
  • Arranges tables and decorations.
  • Arranges buffet tables with food, beverage and service items according to standards.
  • Serve food and beverages to guests.
  • Thoroughly cleans location after event is completed.
  • Returns food and beverages, serving equipment and utensils to catering facility.
  • Distributes and collects customer comment cards for catered functions.
  • Stocks, cleans and maintains catering facility and equipment.
  • Ensures guests receive friendly, courteous service at all times.
  • Maintains in-depth knowledge of complete menu and products on hand.
  • Maintains clean and safe work environment.
  • Follows safety and sanitation policy and procedures at all times.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:

  • Valid driver's license may be required; must possess or able to obtain a valid food handler's permit and/or alcohol servers' permit where required by state law.

Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits.

Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

[[filter4]] 

What Bon Appétit Management Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom