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Cook Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Unidine

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef - Davenport, IA Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Merit Increases ... Unidine's commitment to scratch cooking, innovative programs, venue concepts and services continues ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

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 ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef - Davenport, IA Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Merit Increases ... Unidine's commitment to scratch cooking, innovative programs, venue concepts and services continues ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef - Davenport, IA Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Merit Increases ... Unidine's commitment to scratch cooking, innovative programs, venue concepts and services continues ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Develop Sous Chef and Lead Cook to take on additional leadership and management duties. * Directly responsible for food control, labor costs, menu engineering, recipe creation and standardization of ...

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Sous Chef - Banquets

Ames, IA · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Description The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is looking for a Sous Chef to work in the Banquet ... Excellent understanding of the various cooking methods used in a professional kitchen, ingredients ...

The Outing Club

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who leads by example and assists in the day-to-day operation. must posses excellent people skills and ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Develop Sous Chef and Lead Cook to take on additional leadership and management duties. * Directly responsible for food control, labor costs, menu engineering, recipe creation and standardization of ...

The Outing Club

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who leads by example and assists in the day-to-day operation. must posses excellent people skills and ...

Elmcrest Country Club

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You will work closely with our Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to keep the plates looking sharp and ... Prepare and cook items on the menu to order for a la carte service while maintaining speed and ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Develop Sous Chef and Lead Cook to take on additional leadership and management duties. * Directly responsible for food control, labor costs, menu engineering, recipe creation and standardization of ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to ... You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to ... You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ...

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

Lucky's Sous Chef

Tama, IA · On-site

$22.66/hr

This position directly supervises Lucky's Grill & Taproom cooks and dishwashers. This position has the authority, through proper channels and as approved by the Executive Sous Chef/Executive Chef, to ...

Fleming's

Sous Chef

West Des Moines, IA

$45K - $62K/yr

As a successful Sous Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest visit ... Ensuring line checks, testing, training, recipe adherence, expo management, cook times, cooking ...

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Cook Chef information

See Iowa salary details

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How much do cook chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook chef 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 are some common challenges faced by Cook Chefs in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Cook Chefs often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy shifts, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adapting to last-minute changes in orders or menu items. In a fast-paced kitchen, multitasking and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure that meals are prepared correctly and delivered promptly. Handling stress and staying organized under pressure are key skills that help chefs thrive and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

What is the difference between Cook Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCook ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varySimilar culinary training, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsKitchen stations within restaurants, fast-paced environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in restaurants, catering, and hotels
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for career progressionCompared for entry-level or specialized roles

The main difference between a Cook Chef and a Line Cook lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cook Chef typically oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, and supervises staff, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes at a designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Cook Chef often has more experience and responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

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

To thrive as a Cook Chef, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, smooth kitchen operations, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are Cook Chefs?

Cook Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other dining establishments. They may handle a variety of tasks including recipe creation, ingredient preparation, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or may lead a kitchen team themselves, depending on their experience and the size of the establishment. Their role is essential in delivering quality meals and maintaining kitchen efficiency.
What job categories do people searching Cook Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Chef jobs in Iowa are:
Cook Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Chef job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Sous Chef

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

What's in it for you...
  • Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
  • Paid time off available from DAY 1!
  • Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
  • 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
  • Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
  • Professional development and promotion opportunities!
The impact you'll make...
The Sous Chef reports to and works directly with the Executive Chef, collaborating with menu planning and development, productivity, menu cost controls, and ordering processes to ensure production meets business levels. It is critical that you possess a background and basic knowledge of culinary technique related to the F+B concept(s) for the hotel. This position should be filled by someone who has the intention of becoming an executive chef, as their next role.
What you'll be doing...
  • Be a key partner with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and F+B Management team, demonstrating a united front committed to providing the best possible guest experience
  • Collaborate with and coach your team to uphold the integrity of the food, guest experience, cleanliness, and maintenance of the culinary spaces
  • Coach and mentor, your team on development of their skill set, technique, and menu execution, fostering an environment of continuous growth
  • Actively participate in recruitment, training, scheduling, supervising, coaching, and motivation of all culinary associates to create an environment that nurtures ideas and develops future talent for succession planning in the culinary program
  • Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the culinary operation, working in collaboration with the Chef, engineering department, and any third-party vendors to make corrections and improvements as needed
  • Offer direct support for your team through coaching, counseling, gentle correction, and constructive feedback
  • Collaborate effectively with all hotel departments including Sales, Banquets & Catering, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations to provide an exemplary guest experience
  • Be a subject matter expert in food and culinary techniques as well as understanding the history of the cuisine most closely related to the hotel food and beverage concept(s), effectively guiding others in their personal search with a gentle hand, never admonishing their lack of knowledge
Requirements...
  • Five or more years progressive culinary experience required, preferably in a multi-service hotel or restaurant
  • Passion for culinary arts, experience in a wide range of cuisines
  • Basic skills in Microsoft Excel and Word to create spreadsheets and proposals
  • Adaptable interpersonal communication skills to address all employee levels of the hotel
  • Proficiency of the English language in reading, writing and verbal communication
  • Ability to calculate basic math principles to meet proper menu ingredients and perform inventory
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods of time to meet high volume business
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods to cook required menu items
  • Ability to withstand warm to hot environments for prolonged periods while utilizing ovens, stoves, or fryers
About First Hospitality...
Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality's strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently.
First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employee's differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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