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Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Bettendorf, IA

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef As Sous Chef, you'll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You'll help oversee ...

Sous Chef

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef As Sous Chef, you'll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You'll help oversee ...

SOUS CHEF

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

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

Clinton, IA · On-site

$22/hr

The Executive Chef, in collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, is responsible for the overall management and oversight of culinary strategies, initiatives, and daily culinary activities. This ...

Executive Chef

Clinton, IA · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

The Executive Chef, in collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, is responsible for the overall management and oversight of culinary strategies, initiatives, and daily culinary activities. This ...

Sous Chef

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef As Sous Chef, you'll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You'll help oversee ...

Executive Chef

Clinton, IA · On-site

$22/hr

The Executive Chef, in collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, is responsible for the overall management and oversight of culinary strategies, initiatives, and daily culinary activities. This ...

F&B Sous Chef

Tama, IA · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Sous Chef

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


WesleyLife rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! 

WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose.

We are more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. With modern amenities, a focus on well-being, and a commitment to excellence, we provide residents with a vibrant lifestyle supported by outstanding culinary services.

Come be a part of the revolution!  

About the Role: Sous Chef

As Sous Chef, you’ll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You’ll help oversee kitchen operations, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

As a Sous Chef, you will:  

  • Showcase Your Skills Across Multiple Dining Venues – From our independent living Restaurant to the casual Bistro and specialized care dining rooms, you'll bring memorable meals to life in diverse, rewarding settings.
  • Join a Skilled, Supportive Culinary Team – Work alongside an experienced chef and culinary leaders who are committed to your growth, offering continuous opportunities to sharpen your techniques and advance your career.
  • Lead Meal Production with Creative Input – Take charge of preparing high-quality hot and cold meals, follow and contribute to refined recipes, and ensure every plate meets our elevated standards.
  • Make an Impact on Health and Well-Being – Craft meals that cater to specialized dietary needs and modified diets, directly contributing to our residents' quality of life and satisfaction.
  • Work Clean, Smart, and Efficiently – Embrace infection control best practices, minimize food waste, and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen that values initiative, precision, and teamwork.

Opening: 

  • Full-Time:  
  • Open to working weekends and evenings

What We Offer 

We know a great career is about more than just a paycheck — it's about belonging, growth, and making a difference. At WesleyLife, we provide:  

Compensation & Flexibility: 

  • Starting pay rate will be based on years of experience.
  • DailyPay Access: Get paid when you need it — instantly access your earnings before payday 
  • Shift differential offered for weekend hours

Health & Wellness: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health care, vision, dental, and 401(k). 
  • Free wellness center memberships and cash incentives for healthy habits 
  • Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage 

Education & Career Growth: 

  • Scholarship Assistance: Up to $3,000/year 
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,500/year 
  • Educational Discounts: 18% off tuition at Purdue University Global 
  • Ongoing leadership training and development pathways 

Extra Perks: 

  • Referral Bonus Program — bring your friends and earn rewards 
  • Recognition and appreciation programs that highlight your impact 
  • A workplace culture that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and support 
  • Benefits available after 30 days

The Summit of Bettendorf embodies a connected community where residents experience a seamless blend of independent, assisted, memory support, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation services all under one roof. Our holistic approach to health focuses on mind, body, and spirit through vibrant programming. 

Why Choose WesleyLife? 

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day. 

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated. 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community. 

Apply today and help us continue to revolutionize the aging experience — the WesleyLife Way. 

WesleyLife believes in welcoming all people to our team and is an equal opportunity employer. Because of our commitment to your health and well-being, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire health assessment, drug screen, and tobacco screen prior to beginning employment 


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