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Cook Helper Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Arete Staffing

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$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 ...

Posted today

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 ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Hhs

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

IHOP

Cook

Ankeny, IA

$17 - $19/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Care Initiatives

Cook

Pleasant Hill, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook Schedule/ Shifts Available: FT Days and Evenings Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make ... At Care Initiatives , we're committed to helping you grow your career while improving the lives of ...

Southeast Polk Community School District

Cook

Runnells, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Support Staff/Cook Date Posted: 8/18/2026 Location: Runnells Elementary Date Available: ASAP ... Ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.

IHOP

Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$17 - $19/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Iowa Youth Services

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals - you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

Iowa Youth Services

Full Time Cook (56335)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination - all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and ...

YSS

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals -- you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

YSS

Full Time Cook (56335)

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination -- all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Clive, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai . Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

Independence Village

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... This emphasis on putting people first has helped us successfully grow for the right reasons. We ...

Independence Village

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... This emphasis on putting people first has helped us successfully grow for the right reasons. We ...

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All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Cook Helper information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Des Moines, IA is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $19.23 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 Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,039 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Cook

Arete Staffing

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

‍ COOK – UNIVERSITY DINING | DES MOINES, IA | HIRING ASAP!

Location: Des Moines, IA

Looking for a steady weekday schedule, great pay, and an opportunity to work in a university environment? We’re hiring Cooks to support our campus dining team and help prepare quality meals for students, faculty, staff, and visitors!

Monday–Friday Schedule – No Weekend Work!
SCHEDULE & PAY
Pay: $19.00/hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Start Date: ASAP – Immediate opportunities available!

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 according to recipes and established standards
  • Assist with food prep, portioning, and meal assembly
  • Ensure food is prepared safely and served on time
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen
  • Properly store food and ingredients
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment and work areas
  • Work as part of a team to provide a great dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who enjoy cooking and working in a team environment.
  • Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Ability to stand and remain active throughout the shift
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow recipes and food safety procedures
  • Team player with a positive attitude
  • Previous cooking or food service experience is preferred
REQUIREMENTS
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to successfully pass a background check
  • Ability to successfully pass a drug screen
  • Authorized to work in the United States
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you're looking for a Monday–Friday schedule, competitive pay, and an opportunity to work in a university setting, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today! Our Talent Team will contact qualified applicants about the next steps.

Don't wait — apply today and get started on your next opportunity!

JOIN THE ARETE TEAM

Arete means being the best you can be and reaching your highest potential.

We're here to connect great people with great opportunities and help you take the next step in your career.

Ready to get started? Apply today and let's see what you can achieve with Arete!

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