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Cook Helper Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cook

Johnston, IA

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

The Line Cook is to model The Sterling Touch ® professional, friendly, courteous, helpful, and timely manner, resulting in a very high level of satisfaction for Residents and their guests. The Line ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Immediate Supervisor: Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

The Line Cook is to model The Sterling Touch ® professional, friendly, courteous, helpful, and timely manner, resulting in a very high level of satisfaction for Residents and their guests. The Line ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to ...

Full-Time Cook

Waukee, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Kettlestone Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm & 11am-7pm As a Cook, you ... This emphasis on putting people first has helped us successfully grow for the right reasons. We ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to ...

Cook (174)

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Biaggi's is looking for passionate line cooks to help us create the ultimate food experience. Join our culinary team that takes pride in preparing Italian pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook Helper information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,432 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Senior Suites of Urbandale is an Assisted Living/Residential Care community.  We care about the
people we serve and enjoy working together.  Come experience working together as a team.  Our
seniors appreciate the care.
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 administration.
  • The cook follows recipes provided by a dietician and the dietary manager.

Please call 515-270-9700 (ask for Debbie ) or send resume .