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Contract Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cinemark Holdings

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 ...

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA · 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 ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

West Des Moines, IA

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/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 ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/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 ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

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 ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA · On-site

$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 ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Windsor Heights, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

HyVee

Market Grille Assistant Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Handle catering contracts and assist in putting together catering items, calculating portions as ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsContract Cooking JobsContract Cooking Jobs in Iowa

Contract Cooking information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Theatre Team Member

Cinemark Holdings

Altoona, IA

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Cinemark rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 42 rated movie theaters

Job description

Apply in ~60 Seconds

Join Our Team:

A career at Cinemark means you'll have epic opportunities to immerse yourself in our industry. But that's just the beginning - a front row seat means incredible growth as you bring new ideas to life to create an unforgettable experience for movie lovers worldwide.

Role Summary:

Cinemark Team Members create a welcoming environment for our Guests. A Team Member is quick, accurate, and knowledgeable about movies, special events, upcoming attractions, pricing, promotions, etc. The Team Member strives to ensure the highest quality in everything served. Being familiar with the operation, this individual will answer guest questions while ensuring a heroic guest experience. Additionally, Team Members may work cross functionally as an Usher, Box Office or Concessionist as staffing needs require. Each Team Member must be able to perform the essential job functions of these positions.

Responsibilities:

The essential duties and responsibility of a Theatre Team Member include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Greets Guests with a smile in a timely and professional manner
  • Operates Cinemark's POS system for all transactions completed on assigned register
  • Verifies tickets at podium and directs Guests to an auditorium
  • Ensures tickets are sold in accordance with the MPAA rating system, studio admittance policy, and company policy
  • Provides pricing, movie, specialist event, alternative movie selections, and general theatre information
  • Responds to phone calls and questions from Guests in a professional and quality customer service manner
  • Conducts theatre inspections to monitor movie presentation and sound quality, watch for film and content theft, and help maintain a safe quality environment within the auditoriums
  • Keeps theatre property clean and free from debris (lobby, aisles, restrooms, auditoriums, exits, parking lot, etc.)
  • Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment
  • Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest high-contact areas
  • Complies with all local, state, and federal food safety laws
  • Monitors safety and security issues (trip hazards, lighting, suspicious persons, etc.) and reports to management
  • Assists with all opening and closing duties as assigned by management
  • Performs other work-related duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Completes basic food handling training and obtains any local or state mandated certification, health card, or food handlers permit where required
  • Availability to work flexible hours which include evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Requires regular and consistent attendance
  • Has an energetic and friendly attitude during each shift
  • Provides excellent Guest service
  • Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate (verbal and written) with all ages, genders, and personalities. Must be able to effectively and regularly converse in and comprehend English
  • Ability to work in a team environment and independently
  • Ability to take and follow direction
  • Responds with a sense of urgency
  • Accurate cash handling and basic math skills

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

  • Frequent bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent standing, walking and reaching around the theater.
  • Noise level may be moderate to high at times.
  • Be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time.

Benefits Available:

At Cinemark, we believe every team member should feel like a hero. Each career comes with a variety of blockbuster benefits for both hourly and salaried team members.

  • Employee Discount
  • 401(k) Matching*
  • Growth Opportunities
  • Education Assistance*
  • Health Benefits*
  • Parental Leave*
  • Paid Time Off*
  • Daily Pay*
  • Free Movies*

*Benefits may vary by career category, so be sure to check the specific details on our career site.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is intended only as a general guideline of your duties and responsibilities at Cinemark and is not a legally binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the job description, as it deems appropriate. Any change amendments, or modifications may be implemented even though they have not been communicated, reprinted or substituted in this job description.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All Cinemark theatres are designated smoke-free workplaces. This includes vapor, electronic, conventional, cigars, etc.

Cinemark is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay Range: 12.15 - 13.50

What Cinemark employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Cinemark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark Holdings, Inc. provides premium out-of-home entertainment experiences as one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world with 507 theatres and 5,765 screens in the U.S. and Latin America as of September 30, 2023. • Our circuit is the third largest in the U.S. with 315 theatres and 4,370 screens in 42 states. • We ranked either #1 or #2 by box office revenues in 80% of our top 25 markets. • We are one of the most geographically diverse circuits in Latin America with 192 theatres and 1,395 screens in 13 countries. • We had a presence in 15 of the top 20 metropolitan cities in South America.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plano, TX, US

Year founded

1984

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