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Chef Hourly Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Mount Vernon, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Cornell College - 600 ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA ยท On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Chef

Atlantic, IA ยท On-site

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of the residents at Heritage House in Atlantic As our Chef, you will: * Lead Meal Production with ...

Chef

Atlantic, IA ยท On-site

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of the residents at Heritage House in Atlantic As our Chef, you will: * Lead Meal Production with ...

Chef

Atlantic, IA ยท On-site

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of the residents at Heritage House in Atlantic As our Chef, you will: * Lead Meal Production with ...

Chef

Atlantic, IA ยท On-site

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of the residents at Heritage House in Atlantic As our Chef, you will: * Lead Meal Production with ...

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of the residents at Heritage House in Atlantic As our Chef, you will: * Lead Meal Production with ...

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA ยท On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Role Overview The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include retail sales, special events planning ...

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA ยท On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Role Overview The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include retail sales, special events planning ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Cornell College - 600 ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Cornell College - 600 ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Cornell College - 600 ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Sous Chef - Banquets

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is looking for a Sous Chef to work in the Banquet side of the Kitchen. In this position you will lead the way in the preparation of menu items for Banquet events ...

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Chef Hourly information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do chef hourly jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef hourly in Iowa is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef hourly?

Chef Hourly jobs refer to culinary positions where chefs are paid by the hour, rather than receiving a fixed annual salary. Hourly chefs typically work in restaurants, catering services, hotels, or institutional kitchens and are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to menu specifications. These roles may include tasks such as maintaining kitchen cleanliness, supervising junior staff, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Compensation and hours can vary based on the employer, location, and level of experience. Chef Hourly positions are ideal for those who seek flexible work hours or are starting their culinary careers.

What are the typical responsibilities and team interactions for a chef hourly position?

As a Chef Hourly, your daily responsibilities generally include preparing and cooking menu items according to standardized recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety guidelines are followed. You will work closely with other kitchen staff such as line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, as well as communicate regularly with front-of-house staff to coordinate timely food service. The role often requires adaptability during busy periods and a strong sense of teamwork to keep operations running smoothly. Effective communication and attention to detail are key to success in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Chef Hourly, you need foundational culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and often a food handler's certification or culinary degree. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and point-of-sale software is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for excelling in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Chef Hourly vs Line Cook?

AspectChef HourlyLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentVaries from fine dining to casual restaurants, often with more responsibilitiesKitchen stations in restaurants, focusing on specific prep or cooking tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across all restaurant types, often with supervisory dutiesCommon in restaurants, hotels, and catering services
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles with more responsibility or higher payPeople seeking entry-level kitchen positions

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, a Chef Hourly typically has more experience, responsibilities, and often supervises others, whereas a Line Cook focuses on specific cooking tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chef Hourly jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Chef Hourly job openings:

Executive Sous Chef - Local Favorite - Benefits + Bonuses

Gecko Hospitality

Grimes, IA โ€ข On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the culinary personnel and maintain a professional and organized kitchen.

  • Ensure excellent food quality and preparation.

  • Assist in selecting, training, and coaching the culinary staff.


Job description

Executive Sous Chef

Immediate Need - Iowa Favorite

Des Moines


Our Company is actively seeking the best possible Sous Chef in the Des Moines, area! In the past 15 years we have been redefining outstanding food and service in the industry. We take pride in every aspect of our restaurants, from the décor to the made-from-scratch entrees. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome for any occasion. With an extensive wine list and an evolving menu, we’ ve become a favorite place to eat among our restaurants across the Midwest. We’ve received numerous customer service awards over the years, and our success wouldn’t have been possible without our team members. To be the Sous Chef of our Des Moines location, apply today by sending your updated resume to jcameron@geckohospitality.com!



Title of Position: Sous Chef

Job Description: As our Sous Chef you will be responsible for leading the culinary personnel and maintaining a professional and organized kitchen. Ensuring excellent food quality and preparation will be a priority as the Sous Chef. The Sous Chef will report vital information directly to the Executive Chef. If there are occasions when the Executive Chef is unable to work, the Sous Chef assumes all duties normally designated to the Executive Chef.


The Sous Chef will assist in selecting, training and coaching the culinary staff. A Sous Chef often acts as the intermediary between the front and back of the house, so strong leadership and communication abilities are a must. Our ideal candidate will have outstanding problem-solving abilities and the ability to quickly adjust to changing situations. Our Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef and become familiar with administrative duties and cost control practices to expand knowledge and the ability to grow your career.


Benefits:

  • 401k
  • Performance Based Incentives
  • Career Advancement
  • Paid Vacation
  • Competitive Pay
  • Work & Life Balance
  • Apply today to learn more about this Sous Chef position!


Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 2+ years current experience as a Sous Chef in a high volume (over $3m per year in sales) Full Service or Upscale Casual concept
  • Ability to maintain high levels of food quality, consistency, and hygiene
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Hands-on with hiring, training, and developing hourly employees
  • Excellent work ethic and drive to succeed
  • Sous Chef must be proficient with financials (P&L's, inventory, food/labor cost, etc.)


Apply Now - Sous Chef located in Des Moines, Iowa! Simply send your updated resume to jcameron@geckohospitality.com to begin interviewing for this fabulous opportunity.