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Chef Hourly Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Waterloo, IA ยท On-site

$21/hr

Previous sous chef or kitchen manager experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Previous sous chef or kitchen manager experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Previous sous chef or kitchen manager experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Previous sous chef or kitchen manager experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training ...

Sous Chef

Ames, IA

$48K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef Independence Village of Ames As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

Sous Chef

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

Sous Chef Independence Village of Ames As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

Sous Chef

Ames, IA

$41K - $55K/yr

Sous Chef Independence Village of Ames As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

Executive Chef

Sioux Center, IA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Executive Chef is part of the Dining Services Management team that works professionally together to make sure the needs of the customer, client, staff, and colleagues are met. Core ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

SOUS CHEF Position Profile Reports to: FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, position is exempt WHO WE ARE Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, Surety Hotel celebrates the city's past ...

Asian Chef

Carter Lake, IA

$47K - $64K/yr

The Asian Chef is under the general guidance and supervision of the Executive Sous Chef and with the limits of established Constance Hotel's policies and procedures, supervise, oversee and direct all ...

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 Jun 8, 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 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 Chef Hourly jobs?

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 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 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 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:

Personal Chef - DsM

Friend that Cooks

West Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$22.85/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are looking for talented, experienced line cooks and sous chefs who have a passion for helping people. Friend That Cooks Personal Chefs is a company built on taking care of its clients by providing in-home custom healthy meals, and taking care of its chefs by offering weekday hours, excellent benefits and creative freedom.


Youโ€™ll work closely with families on their preferences, and often this turns into friendship with them. Work is Mon-Fri during the day (8 ish to 5 ish) and weekend hours are optional. Youโ€™ll menu plan, shop, cook and clean up, leaving the clientโ€™s fridge stocked with a weekโ€™s worth of meals.


Here is a breakdown of what to expect:


โ— Weekday hours

โ— Creative freedom, leading to a fast track of culinary growth

โ— GREAT benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life

โ— Paid time off that you control for sick, personal or vacation days

โ— Retirement benefit (company matched) for full and part time employees

โ— Maternity/Paternity Pay

โ— Automatic overtime for optional dinner parties and cooking lessons

โ— Referral bonus as much as $300 for clients and chefs

โ— Fuel reimbursements and Equipment Allowance


Pay & Benefits:
  • Starting pay at $21.85/hour, automatic raise to $22.85/hour at full time
  • Automatic overtime for parties and cooking lessons (part and full time)
  • $7/hr bonus while training others for those we certify as trainers (part and full time)
  • Pay for optional holiday parties 3x or more hourly rate (part and full time)
  • Yearly raises (part and full time)
  • Twice per year seasonal bonuses (part and full time)
  • Tenure bonuses and raises at 3 and 5 year marks (part and full time)
  • Frequent contests and bonus prizes (part and full time)
  • Occasional tips (part and full time)
  • Earn 7% of every hour worked for unrestricted flex pay for holidays, sick and personal days (part and full time)
  • Three additional paid holidays per year (part and full time)
  • 401k with company contribution (part and full time)
  • Company profit sharing via 401k match for 401k participants (part and full time)
  • Heavily subsidized health, dental and vision insurance plan (full time)
  • Paid parental leave (part and full time)
  • Dependent care savings plan (part and full time)
  • Equipment allowance (part and full time)
  • Dining Benefit (part and full time)
  • Gas reimbursements (part and full time)
  • Generous referral rewards for referring chefs and clients (part and full time)
  • Free uniforms (part and full time)

Requirements:

What weโ€™re looking for in a candidate:

  • a minimum of 5 yearsโ€™ experience cooking in scratch restaurant kitchens
  • a culinary degree is preferred, but comparable experience can substitute
  • a passion for food, a large repertoire of ethnic and classic dishes and self-motivation to learn new recipes
  • a passion for helping and serving others
  • a reliable vehicle that you do not share
  • a smart phone with a data plan and comfortable with technology
  • responsible attitude and good communication skills