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Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Q Casino & Resort

Executive Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef# Executive ChefQ Casino + Resort - Dubuque, IA 52001; The Key Hotel - Dubuque, IA 52001## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftSwingCategoryRestaurant - Food Service## Description#

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.

Q Casino + Resort

Executive Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of culinary operations at The Key Hotel's new restaurant. This role involves menu creation, recipe development, food preparation, kitchen ...

30hop

Sous Chef

Coralville, IA

$45K - $61K/yr

30hop Restaurant & Bar is looking for a Sous Chef to join our leadership team in Coralville, IA. In this role, you'll partner with the Executive Chef to help lead day-to-day kitchen operations ...

30hop, LLC

Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

30hop Restaurant & Bar is looking for a Sous Chef to join our leadership team in Coralville, IA. In this role, you'll partner with the Executive Chef to help lead day-to-day kitchen operations ...

Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

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 ...

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

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.

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

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 ...

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Pantry Chef

West Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Pantry Cook portions, prepares, and assembles all cold food items (salads, cold appetizers, and hot/cold desserts) offered in the ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Pantry Chef

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Pantry Cook portions, prepares, and assembles all cold food items (salads, cold appetizers, and hot/cold desserts) offered in the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Dubuque, IA

$100K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Dubuque, IA Salary: $100,000-$120,000 DOE Benefits: Competitive bonus opportunity, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, life and ...

Big Grove Brewery

Sous Chef - Solon

Solon, IA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

The Sous Chef position is vital in leading a high-volume kitchen in a fast paced environment. The role requires a hands-on leader capable of maintaining Big Grove's hospitality standards while ...

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Chef information

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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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The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

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

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The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Iowa are:

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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.

Executive Sous Chef - Local Favorite - Benefits + Bonuses

Grimes, IA

Gecko Hospitality
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Gecko Hospitalityexternal

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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.