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Cook Helper Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$18 - $22/hr

Have a current Food Handler's Card where applicable, or we will help you obtain. * A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes. * Ability to learn ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$18 - $22/hr

Have a current Food Handler's Card where applicable, or we will help you obtain. * A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes. * Ability to learn ...

P.F. Chang's

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Have a current Food Handler's Card where applicable, or we will help you obtain. * A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes. * Ability to learn ...

Wingstop

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Aramark

Cook - Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook - Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook - Grand View University

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook - Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook - Grand View University

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Wingstop

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ames, IA

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Urbandale Health Care Center

Cook

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

) Cook Location: Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | Urbandale, IA Royal Oaks Nursing and ... Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of our residents. Apply today!

HyVee

Hy-Chi Cook

Grimes, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Hy-Chi Department Cook Department: Hy-Chi FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy ...

New

Senior Suites Of Urbandale

Cook

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Duties: * The cook is responsible for preparing meals for approximately 45-60 residents/Tenants, cleans as directed, washes dishes, manages their shift. * Cook reports to the dietary manger and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Waukee, IA

Cook Helper information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Waukee, IA is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Waukee, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Waukee, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,432 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Cook

IHOP

West Des Moines, IA

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 358 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

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 terminology, plating, menu items and procedures according to company standards. IHOP Cooks are expected to set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area while maintaining company sanitation standards. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Cooks are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

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.

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.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Extensive Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –

What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003

View All IHOP Jobs