ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us Build Something Meaningful Renewal Falls Recovery Center is preparing to open a new residential ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us Build Something Meaningful Renewal Falls Recovery Center is preparing to open a new residential ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · 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 ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · 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 ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA

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 ...

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 ...

Stoney Creek Hospitality Corporation

Head Chef

Moravia, IA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Head Chef Accountability The Head Chef is responsible for the daily operation of the hotel's kitchen, ensuring food is prepared safely, consistently, and in accordance with company standards. This ...

Tri Delta

Chef

Indianola, IA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The Delta chapter of Tri Delta at Simpson College is seeking a Chef who will plan and prepare all meals provided at the chapter facility while maintaining and operating a clean, sanitary and safe ...

Great Western Dining

Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

The Chef is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the overall operations of the Food Service to residents in accordance with current standards, guidelines, and regulations to assure ...

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

Lucky's Sous Chef

Tama, IA · On-site

$22.66/hr

Document and report to Executive Chef incidents-of-interest involving F&B employees and customers related to safety, service, products and performance. Provide written shift summaries as directed.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Iowa

Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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.

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.
More about Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Iowa? For Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in IA? For Chef jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Executive Chef - Casino - Dubuque, IA

the Chef Agency

Dubuque, IA

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Location: Dubuque, IA
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000
Benefits: Standard benefits; open to relocation
The Executive Chef will lead all culinary operations for an opening steakhouse restaurant on a casino property, overseeing the steakhouse, high-volume service, and a diverse culinary team. This role is responsible for menu execution, kitchen leadership, and maintaining exceptional food quality across all dining experiences.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership in casinos, resorts, or high-volume multi-outlet operations. Steakhouse experience preferred.
  • Strong background in team development, food cost management, and operational systems
  • Skilled in delivering consistent quality in fast-paced, high-volume environments
Responsibilities
  • Oversee all culinary outlets, ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Lead and mentor culinary teams, managing labor, food cost, procurement, and kitchen operations
  • Collaborate with property leadership to support guest satisfaction, menu initiatives, and operational goals
Chef Agency logo

About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Chef Agency Jobs