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Contract Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Elementary School Math Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes discovery-based learning and connects math to everyday contexts like cooking, shopping ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Caseworker - SCL

Dubuque, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cooking - Personal hygiene It's important that the individuals we work with are encouraged to be ... LSI Contract Monitor Ready to get started? Apply today! This position requires a valid driver ...

Eckerd Connects

Food Service Worker On-Call

Denison, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer Service Contract Act (SCA) Position Hourly ... The Food Service Worker assists the cook in the preparation of food, number of students expected ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS ... contract and operational requirements.)Loading DockHeavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of force ...

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Caseworker - SCL

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cooking - Personal hygiene It's important that the individuals we work with are encouraged to be ... LSI Contract Monitor Ready to get started? Apply today! This position requires a valid driver ...

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Caseworker - SCL

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cooking- Personal hygieneIt's important that the individuals we work with are encouraged to be ... LSI Contract MonitorReady to get started? Apply today! This position requires a valid driver ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA

$10.75 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark Holdings

Theatre Team Member

Atlantic, IA

$12 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Access Dubuque

Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

... 26-27 Assistant Cook Manager Dubuque Community School District Share this Job Specialized ... assignments, contract-to-hire assignments, and permanent (direct hire) placement. Our team is ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS ... contract and operational requirements.) Loading Dock Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of ...

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Cook JobsContract Cook Jobs in Iowa

Contract Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract cook?

Contract cooks are culinary professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to prepare meals in various settings, such as corporate cafeterias, schools, hospitals, or private events. Unlike full-time staff, contract cooks work for a specific duration or for the length of a particular contract, often through staffing agencies or catering companies. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Contract cooks provide flexibility for employers who need additional staff during busy periods or special events. This role is ideal for experienced cooks seeking variety in their work environments.

How does working as a contract cook differ from a permanent kitchen position in terms of daily responsibilities and work environment?

As a contract cook, you'll often work in a variety of kitchens and settings, from corporate cafeterias to catering events, which means your daily responsibilities can change frequently. Unlike permanent roles, you may need to quickly adapt to different menus, kitchen teams, and management styles, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can sometimes involve unfamiliar equipment or workflows. This variety can be rewarding and offers opportunities to expand your culinary skills, but it may also require extra effort to adjust rapidly and establish rapport with new colleagues.

What is the difference between Contract Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectContract CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)Food Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedLong-term, salaried or hourly
Industry UsageEvent catering, hospitality, temporary kitchensRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

Contract Cooks typically work on short-term assignments in various locations, often for events or temporary projects, and usually hold similar certifications as full-time cooks. Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a single establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Iowa?

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Cook jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Cook job openings:

Contract Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Daily

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

If you're looking for a way you can make a positive change in your community, LSI is looking for you. Join our team today!
Our Services for People with Disabilities team is searching for dedicated, compassionate caregivers to work full-time and part-time as a Direct Support Professional in the Des Moines area. The Iowans we serve are seeking a life of greater confidence and independence, and it's our privilege to empower them toward success every day.
This is a great position to jumpstart your career in human services field & has opportunities for advancement!
Available hours: 1st shift (6:30am to 2:30pm) and/or 2nd shifts (2:30 to 10:30pm). Must be available and willing to work some weekend hours.
What We Do
As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children, adults, and families for more than 160 years. Our Services for People with Disabilities wrap care around individuals across the state, from providing occasional respite care or weekly services, to 24/7 support in either a shared apartment environment or one-on-one care through our hourly supported community living (SCL) program. You can make a direct impact on the lives of the Iowans we are privileged to serve.
What You'll Do
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) works with individuals with an intellectual disability or chronic mental illness. DSPs work with 2-3 adults that require 24-hour support, will work in their home and out in the community.
DSPs are there to provide support, assistance, and instruction in learning independent living skills like:
- Money management
- Socialization
- Cooking
- Personal hygiene
A DSP is also there to be an advocate for the individual in communicating their needs, self-expression, and goals. Must be willing to provide transportation, as needed. Various hours and shifts available. Must be available and willing to work every other weekend.
What You'll Need
Qualified candidates for this job will have either a high school diploma or a GED. Experience working with Supported Community Living (SCL) or with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required.
How We'll Support You
On top of joining the best team around, you can also receive:
- A competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits
- A flexible schedule
- A 401(k)
- Generous paid time off
- Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
- Career-building opportunities
- Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance and cell phone discounts through Verizon
Who We Are
LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment at
Why You'll Love Working Here
"I enjoy working with people with disabilities because I'm able to make a difference in their lives and it has made a positive impact in my own." - Amber, LSI Contract Monitor
Ready to get started? Apply today!
This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.

Apply