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Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

F&B 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.

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. Supervise all cooking operations including ...

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: · Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. · Supervise all cooking operations ...

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: • Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. • Supervise all cooking operations ...

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef - Davenport, IA Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Merit Increases Think Fresh! Lead with Excellence! An industry leading hospitality food service group, Unidine is ...

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef - Davenport, IA Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Merit Increases Think Fresh! Lead with Excellence! An industry leading hospitality food service group, Unidine is ...

Previous sous chef or kitchen manager experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Fixed Pay Rate : $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

Executive Chef

Northwood, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

... Chefs and Assistant Chefs. • Manage staffing levels congruent with departmental and business needs. • Review and analyze financial reports and apply findings in a practical manner to improve the ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

Executive Chef

Northwood, IA

$67K - $92K/yr

Responsible for the direct supervision of all Room Chefs and Assistant Chefs. Manage staffing levels congruent with departmental and business needs. Review and analyze financial reports and apply ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Sous Chef to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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.

How much is a chef's salary?

The average salary for a chef varies depending on experience, location, and establishment type, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

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 Is a Chef?

A chef is a highly trained culinary professional who works as the chief cook in the kitchen of a restaurant. Many chefs earn a culinary degree and are formally trained by another accomplished chef, making them very skilled and competent in their craft. A chef spends a majority of their time in the kitchen cooking and directing other food preparers on the best ways to put together dishes, including appropriate garnish and presentation. Chefs are creative professionals, and are often involved in planning and making menus for the restaurant. Because chefs work as the head cooks in the kitchen, they are the supervisors of the other kitchen workers. In addition to overseeing food preparation, chefs coach and develop the other kitchen staff and help them grow and improve their skills. They are responsible for managing the logistics of the kitchen operations. They order necessary supplies, provide cost estimates to their employer, and monitor staff requirements and schedules.

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 is the highest paying job as a chef?

Executive chefs, especially those managing large or high-end establishments, tend to have the highest salaries among chefs, with some earning over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs in luxury hotels and resorts often command higher pay due to experience, reputation, and leadership responsibilities.

What other jobs can I do as a chef?

Chefs can transition into roles such as restaurant managers, food service directors, culinary instructors, food critics, or catering managers. These positions often require similar skills in food preparation, management, and customer service, and may benefit from certifications like ServSafe or culinary degrees.

What are some 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.

Is chef high salary?

Chefs can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Executive chefs and those working in high-end restaurants or hotels tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented with tips and bonuses. Entry-level chefs typically earn less, while specialized skills and certifications can lead to increased earnings.
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:
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% 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 Sous Chef

Hyatt Regency Coralville

Coralville, IA

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Executive Sous Chef

Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences?

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center is seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Executive Sous Chef to support daily culinary operations across our award-winning hotel and conference center, including our award-winning restaurant, Watermill Kitchen + Bar, known for its elevated Midwest-inspired cuisine, locally influenced flavors, and exceptional guest experience.

This leadership role assists in overseeing banquet operations, restaurant outlets, stewarding, room service, associate dining, and overall kitchen operations while helping maintain exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive team culture.

The Executive Sous Chef serves as a key culinary leader and operational partner to the Executive Chef while helping drive consistency, creativity, cleanliness, associate development, and guest satisfaction throughout the property.

Schedule & Pay

  • Full-time leadership position
  • Annual salary starting at $60,000, commensurate with experience
  • Flexible schedule based on business demands and event volume
  • Must be available to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Salaried, exempt position

Why Our Culinary Team Loves Working Here

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Matching 401(k) and profit-sharing opportunities
  • Health benefits available after 30 days for full-time associates
  • Free and discounted meals & Starbucks
  • Free Marcus Theatre movie tickets
  • Hotel discounts at Hyatt and Marcus Hotels & Resorts properties
  • Free parking and uniforms
  • Opportunities for advancement and career growth
  • A fast-paced, team-focused culture built around People Pleasing People

What You’ll Do

As Executive Sous Chef, you will help lead culinary operations throughout the hotel while supporting kitchen leadership, operational consistency, associate development, and exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in overseeing daily culinary operations across banquet, restaurant, room service, stewarding, and other food & beverage outlets
  • Supervise, coach, train, and develop culinary associates and kitchen leadership teams
  • Support scheduling and staffing to maintain operational coverage while managing labor costs responsibly
  • Ensure food quality, presentation, consistency, and recipe adherence across all outlets
  • Maintain proper food handling, labeling, storage, sanitation, and rotation procedures in compliance with health department standards
  • Support food and labor cost control initiatives and operational efficiencies
  • Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory management, and product quality control
  • Ensure kitchen cleanliness, safety, organization, and sanitation standards are consistently maintained
  • Support preventative maintenance and proper care of kitchen equipment
  • Assist with execution of special events, VIP functions, banquets, and associate events
  • Collaborate closely with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Stewarding, and Purchasing teams
  • Step into operational leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef
  • Participate in leadership meetings, operational planning, and associate development initiatives
  • Maintain professionalism and strong communication with guests, associates, and leaders
  • Assist with additional duties and special projects as assigned

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a strong culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume hospitality environment and enjoys mentoring teams while delivering exceptional food experiences.

Ideal candidates will have:

  • 3–5 years of high-volume culinary leadership experience preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, safety, and kitchen operations
  • Experience leading teams in a fast-paced hospitality environment
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of food and labor cost controls
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure
  • Professional appearance and dependable work ethic
  • Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or formal culinary training preferred, but not required
  • Basic computer knowledge and administrative skills helpful
  • ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance as needed
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift

If you are passionate about culinary leadership, hospitality, and developing strong teams while creating memorable guest experiences, this could be an exciting opportunity to grow your career with an award-winning hotel team.

About Us

At Marcus Hotels & Resorts, we believe our associates are our greatest asset. Our culture is built around the philosophy of People Pleasing People, creating memorable experiences for both guests and team members.

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center offers a dynamic, welcoming, and fast-paced environment where associates can grow, develop, and take pride in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All offers of employment are subject to E-Verify verification of identity and employment eligibility.