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Cook Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Opa Time

Cook

Sioux City, IA

$17/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Arete Staffing

Cook

Des Moines, IA

$19/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Cook, you'll help prepare fresh, high-quality meals while supporting daily dining operations on a busy university campus. Responsibilities include: * Prepare and cook meals ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food - they help create meaningful dining experiences for our residents every single day. We are looking for a dependable, energetic, and team ...

Cassia

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Meadowview of Clive you will be working in a commercial kitchen ...

Cassia

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Meadowview of Clive you will be working in a commercial kitchen ...

Western Home Communities

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Western Home Communities is seeking a Cook who enjoys creating quality meals and serving ... Join our team and help make every meal matter. #WHC26 At Western Home , our mission is to help ...

Western Home Communities

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Western Home Communities is seeking a Cook who enjoys creating quality meals and serving ... Join our team and help make every meal matter. #WHC26 At Western Home , our mission is to help ...

Sonic

Cook

Centerville, IA

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... team to help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards What You'll Need:

Umstattd Sonic Group - Sonic

Cook

Centerville, IA

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items  * Trying to beat your best record, every ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate  * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Umstattd Sonic Group - Sonic

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items  * Trying to beat your best record, every ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate  * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Sonic

Cook

Centerville, IA

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... team to help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards What Youll Need:

Sonic

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... team to help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards What You'll Need:

Sonic

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... team to help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards What Youll Need:

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivate • Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards What You'll Need: • ...

Umstattd Sonic Group

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivateMaintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standardsWhat You'll Need:Contagiously ...

Umstattd Sonic Group

Cook

Centerville, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivateMaintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standardsWhat You'll Need:Contagiously ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Iowa

Cook Helper information

See Iowa salary details

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$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Iowa is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

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 Cook Helper jobs in Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Cook Helper job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in IA?

For Cook Helper jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,723 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Cook

Opa Time

Sioux City, IA

$17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Main Responsibilities of a Cook:
  • Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking.
  • Cooking and arranging food.
Cook Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant.

The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative cook. We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount.

A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks. The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school.

Responsibilities of a Cook:
  • Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.
  • Preparing workstations for cooking.
  • Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
  • Checking the quality of the ingredients.
  • Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.
  • Cooking food using various culinary techniques.
  • Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.
  • Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.
Cook Job Requirements:
  • Must have prior experience as a cook.
  • Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.
  • Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.
  • Must know and follow sanitation procedures.
  • Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
  • Must showcase great organizational skills.
  • Must be able to multitask and act quickly.
  • Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Locally owned and operated since 2010, Opa Time Restaurant has been providing the Siouxland community with a family-friendly experience through our blend of Greek-American street food. Following the devastating fire that occurred on January 29, 2023 Opa Time was re-built from the ground up in 2024 and is proud to continue serving the Siouxland community. From our mouth watering gyros and Philly cheesesteaks to our delicious burgers grab a friend and an appetite and head down to Opa Time.