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Contract Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Experience in food-related industries such as line cooking, food preparation, cold storage, or meat ... Contract to Hire position based out of Davenport, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this ...

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA

$10.75 - $14/hr

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA

$10.75 - $14/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

West Des Moines, IA

$11 - $14.50/hr

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Theatre Team Member

Atlantic, IA ยท On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

Ames, IA

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

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 ...

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

Perform cooking evaluations on production samples and dimension testing on finished product samples ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA. Pay and Benefits The ...

Perform cooking evaluations on production samples and dimension testing on finished product samples ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA. Pay and Benefits The ...

Perform cooking evaluations on production samples and dimension testing on finished product samples ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA. Pay and Benefits The ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Cooking information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Iowa is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Cooking vs Restaurant Cooking?

AspectContract CookingRestaurant Cooking
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, often temporary or project-basedSpecific restaurant or food service establishment
CredentialsCooking experience, food safety certifications often preferredCooking experience, food safety certifications typically required
Employment TypeTemporary, freelance, or contract basisFull-time or part-time employment within a restaurant
Industry UsageUsed by catering companies, event services, or food contractorsUsed within the hospitality and food service industry

Contract Cooking involves preparing food at various locations on a temporary basis, often for events or catering, while Restaurant Cooking is based within a specific restaurant or food establishment. Both roles require similar culinary skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

What is contract cooking?

Contract cooking is a service where a professional chef or catering company is hired to prepare meals for clients under a formal agreement. This arrangement can be for individuals, families, businesses, or large-scale events. Contract cooks may work on-site in private homes, commercial kitchens, or company cafeterias, providing customized menus based on clients' dietary needs and preferences. The service can be short-term, like for a special event, or ongoing, such as providing daily meals for a business or institution.

What are some common challenges faced by contract cooks, and how can they be successfully managed?

Contract cooks often work in diverse settings, from corporate cafeterias to event venues, which means adapting quickly to different kitchens and equipment. One challenge is managing varying client expectations while maintaining consistent food quality under tight deadlines. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with both clients and team members are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building a reputation for reliability and versatility can also open up more opportunities for advancement and recurring contracts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often formal training or certification in food handling. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork help contract cooks excel in various kitchen environments and client settings. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, compliance with health standards, and reliable service delivery across diverse assignments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Cooking job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 35% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
General Production Worker

General Production Worker

Aerotek

Davenport, IA โ€ข On-site

$18/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

General Production Worker $18 an hour

Davenport, Iowa

7am-3:30pm

Position Summary

The General Production Worker is an entry-level role responsible for supporting daily operations within a food manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining production efficiency, product quality, and food safety standards by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines.


Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary production areas at all times
  • Identify and promptly report any conditions that could lead to contamination or unsanitary environments
  • Remove products, packaging materials, and debris from floors and workstations
  • Dispose of and accurately track inedible or waste materials in accordance with company procedures
  • Sort and remove trash and recyclable materials from production areas
  • Prepare and stage work areas with necessary materials and empty containers for upcoming shifts
  • Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and sanitation processes
  • Support rework processes by properly collecting, opening, labeling, and handling materials to prevent cross-contamination
  • Provide relief for team members during breaks and assist in other roles as assigned
  • Complete required production and safety documentation accurately and on time
  • Train and support new employees as needed
  • Communicate with supervisors at the end of each shift for additional assignments or updates
  • Inspect product cases to ensure accurate labeling and legible code dates
  • Perform basic equipment adjustments to maintain production flow
  • Safely operate a manual pallet jack when required
  • Report equipment issues or malfunctions immediately to appropriate personnel
  • Prepare workstations and supplies for the next shift to ensure continuity of operations
  • Stage ingredients (up to 50 lbs.) to maintain efficient product flow
  • Arrange and handle raw materials and finished products according to specifications
  • Perform repetitive production tasks including combing, hanging, transporting, and stacking products
  • Monitor product quality on conveyor lines to ensure it meets company standards

Required Skills & Abilities
  • Strong reliability and attention to detail
  • Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Capability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and quality standards
  • Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience in manufacturing, production, packing, or food processing environments
  • Experience in food-related industries such as line cooking, food preparation, cold storage, or meat processing
  • Experience handling raw meat or working with cutting processes is a plus

Why Join Our Team?
  • Work in a clean, modern facility
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
  • Gain valuable experience in a stable and essential industry

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates in a manufacturing setting with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, cold temperatures, and high noise levels.

Physical requirements include:

  • Standing and walking for extended periods
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for handling materials and equipment
  • Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds regularly throughout the shift
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Davenport, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
โ€ข Medical, dental & vision
โ€ข Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan โ€“ Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
โ€ข Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
โ€ข Short and long-term disability
โ€ข Health Spending Account (HSA)
โ€ข Transportation benefits
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Davenport,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry โ€“ from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companiesโ€™ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry โ€“ from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companiesโ€™ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.