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Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sunflower Chef Catering

Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

You'll work alongside our Head Chef preparing food, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and helping execute catered events throughout the area. We work hard, take pride in what we create, and ...

Sunflower Chef Catering

$15 - $20/hr

You'll work alongside our Head Chef preparing food, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and helping execute catered events throughout the area. We work hard, take pride in what we create, and ...

WesleyLife

Chef

Atlantic, IA · 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 ...

StoryPoint Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

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 ...

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

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

WesleyLife

Chef

Atlantic, IA

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 ...

Elior-Collegiate-Dining

Unit Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$24/hr

Unit Chef Job Reference Number: 42859 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Collegiate-Dining Location: University of Dubuque - Dining Hall The Role at a glance: We are ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Edgewater

Chef

Atlantic, IA

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Elior North America

Unit Chef

Dubuque, IA

$24/hr

Unit Chef Job Reference Number: 42859 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Collegiate-Dining Location: University of Dubuque - Dining Hall The Role at a glance: We are ...

WesleyLife

Chef

Atlantic, IA · 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 ...

Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

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

Elior North America

Unit Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$24/hr

Unit Chef Job Reference Number: 42859 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Collegiate-Dining Location: University of Dubuque - Dining Hall The Role at a glance: We are ...

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Chef information

See Iowa salary details

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$23

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef 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 does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.
More about Chef jobs

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For Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Iowa look for?

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Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Chef

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Sunflower Chef Catering
See more jobs at Sunflower Chef Cateringexternal

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join an award-winning Des Moines catering company known for exceptional food, presentation, and customer service. Since 2014, we’ve maintained 5-star ratings across Google, Yelp, and Facebook and have been voted Best Caterer in Des Moines for five consecutive years through the Des Moines People’s Choice Awards.

Notable clients we have are being the official caterer for the Iowa Wild hockey team, Microsoft, ITA Group, Delta Dental, Net Jets, many more and growing!

We’re looking for a dependable, positive Catering Chef to join our growing team. You’ll work alongside our Head Chef preparing food, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and helping execute catered events throughout the area.

We work hard, take pride in what we create, and want every team member to feel appreciated and valued while working in a fun, creative, and positive environment.

What You’ll Do

  • Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and food safety standards

  • Package, store, and organize food for upcoming events

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen

  • Assist with receiving or picking up food and supplies as needed

  • Transport food and equipment to catered events

  • Set up food stations, tables, and event equipment

  • Professionally serve and interact with guests

  • Assist with breakdown and cleanup after events

What We’re Looking For

  • Previous kitchen, restaurant, or catering experience

  • Basic cooking and food safety knowledge

  • ServSafe certification or ability to obtain within 90 days

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Dependable with strong teamwork and communication skills

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as events require

  • Good teamwork and communication skills.

Compensation & Schedule

  • $15–$20/hour, based on experience

  • Additional gratuity opportunities from catered events

  • Average of 32+ hours per week

  • Growing local company with plans for a new location in 2027

If you enjoy creating great food, working with a close-knit team, and being part of memorable events, we’d love to hear from you.


Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $15 - $20 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: Yes