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Chefs Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Sous Chef

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

As a successful Sous Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest visit ... assistant Callie. We look forward to hearing from you!

Banquet Sous

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Assist the Executive Chef with menu development, including creating new and innovative dishes for banquet menus.Maintain strict compliance with all food handling, sanitation, and safety standards.

Main Street Markt is looking for an Assistant Store Manager to add to their customer service team ... Enjoy chef-crafted grab and go dishes, artisan grocery goods, specialty wines, cheeses and more. An ...

Main Street Markt is looking for an Assistant Store Manager to add to their customer service team ... Enjoy chef-crafted grab and go dishes, artisan grocery goods, specialty wines, cheeses and more. An ...

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who ... assist in all other management areas of the kitchen to include menu development, scheduling ...

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who ... assist in all other management areas of the kitchen to include menu development, scheduling ...

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... Assist in the execution of large-scale banquet menus, ensuring consistent quality for every guest. * Culinary Collaboration: Follow recipes and plating specifications provided by the Executive Chef ...

Banquet Sous

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Work with the Executive Chef to estimate daily and weekly production needs. * Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and storage of food products. * Contribute to ...

Banquet Sous

Dubuque, IA

$17 - $21.25/hr

Work with the Executive Chef to estimate daily and weekly production needs. * Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and storage of food products. * Contribute to ...

Plates prepared foods based on chef's guidance * Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment * May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping ...

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Plates prepared foods based on chef's guidance * Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment * May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping ...

Showing results 41-60

Chefs Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do chefs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for chefs assistant in Iowa is $17.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chefs assistant?

Chefs Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or commis chefs, support chefs in the preparation and cooking of food in professional kitchens. Their duties often include washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing kitchen tools, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. Chefs Assistants are crucial for ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. They often learn essential culinary skills on the job, making this role a common entry point for those interested in a culinary career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chefs assistant?

To thrive as a Chef's Assistant, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, organized, and high-quality food preparation, supporting the kitchen's smooth operation.

What are some common challenges faced by a chefs assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Chef's Assistant, you may encounter challenges such as working under tight time constraints, adapting to fast-paced kitchen environments, and maintaining consistent food quality. Effective communication with chefs and team members is essential to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors. Staying organized, being proactive, and continuously learning kitchen procedures can help you manage these challenges successfully while developing valuable culinary skills.

What is the difference between Chefs Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectChefs AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, sometimes certificationsMinimal qualifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, assisting chefsSupport roles in kitchens, general cleaning and prep
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood service establishments, cafeterias
Search & Comparison IntentRoles assisting chefs with food prep and organizationSupport staff helping in kitchen tasks

Chefs Assistants typically have some culinary knowledge and work closely with professional chefs in busy kitchen environments. Kitchen Helpers usually perform basic support tasks like cleaning and prep, often with minimal qualifications. Both roles are essential in food service settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What is the average salary of a chef's assistant?

The average salary of a chef's assistant typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those working in high-end kitchens can earn more. The role often requires basic culinary skills and the ability to follow instructions in a fast-paced environment.

What are popular job titles related to Chefs Assistant jobs in Iowa?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Chefs Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chefs Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Chefs Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Chefs Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,191 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Compass Group

Mount Vernon, IA • On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards.

  • Supervises hourly food service associates, including interviewing, scheduling, training, and counseling.

  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies, and tracks product production, consumption, and waste.


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 500 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions.
  • Location: Cornell College - 600 First Street Southwest, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time; Days and hours may vary. Weekend and evening availability is required. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous culinary and supervisory experience is required. 
  • Perks: Free shift meals and parking! Growth opportunities!
  • Pay Range:  $26.00 per hour to $30.00 per hour.

          *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1565261. 

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

Are you looking for a job with competitive wages and benefits, one in which you can learn and grow while making a difference in the world? We're hiring! Bon Appetit Management Company operates more than 1,000 cafes around the country for corporations, universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We've led the industry in socially and environmentally responsible sourcing, from sustainable seafood to cage-free eggs. We cook everything from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.

Learn more about careers with Bon Appetit: http://www.bamco.com/careers/

Job Summary


Summary:   Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Ensures all deadlines are met based on production orders.
  • Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action, as appropriate.
  • Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ensures proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Interacts with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Relays relevant information directly to supervisor.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to associates and customers.
  • Keeps up with peak production and service hours.
  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Tracks product production, consumption and waste. Informs supervisor when supplies or product are low.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

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