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Cook Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Coralville, 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 ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Anamosa, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Nutrition Services/Cook Date Posted: 6/29/2026 Location: Anamosa Community School District Date Available: August 2026 Closing Date: Open Until Filled The Anamosa Community School District is in need ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service * Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18-20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night shifts available Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required ...

Join Our Team as a Cook at Tommy's West Restaurant! At Tommy's West Restaurant, we take pride in serving delicious meals to our community in Cedar Rapids, IA. We're a locally loved spot where quality ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18-20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night shifts available Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required ...

The O Zone in Urbana, IA is looking for one cook to join our 19 person strong team. We are located on 309 W Woods St. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, motivated, and reliable. Benefits * We offer ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cook Career Opportunity Recognized for your culinary skills Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who ...

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Cook information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

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$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Cedar Rapids, IA is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,636 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

$14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Wingstop rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 426 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Wingstop's mission is to serve the world flavor. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop. We are looking for team members who want to deliver a flavor experience.


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 standards in all areas of operation, including product preparation maintaining the highest quality products and services are delivered to each customer; follows and comprehends the importance of proper personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. The restaurant cook must be able to successfully focus on their job in a calm, yet efficient manner.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:


Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop

experience

Ability to practice safe cooking procedures

Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets

Accurately count the number of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips needed for each order

Coordinate the cooking time of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips and fries with the corresponding timer

According to Wingstop standards; Sauce, Season and package all orders

Accurately count the cooked Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips into the proper sauce bowls

Cook and prepare Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips, and

Fries in the proper fryers and baskets

Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and

with proper safety equipment

Assist in keeping the kitchen clean throughout the shift maintaining clean as you

go and at closing time

Immediately notify Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues

Assist other employees as needed

Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor

Know and thoroughly understand the importance of good hygiene and food

handling practices

Ability to thoroughly understand and follow instructions in how to properly and

safely use chemical cleaning products


Key Skills/Abilities:


Guest service mentality; has a genuine desire to serve the customer

Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations

Manages multiple projects and timelines with a sense of urgency and follow

through

Well organized and detail oriented

Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self improvement

Has an outgoing personality

Strong work ethic


Additional Information:


Cook and restaurant experience is a plus!

Food Handler Certification required


Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Free meals 
  • Flexible schedule


Experience:


Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Line cook: 1 year (Preferred)


Disclaimer:


The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.


What Wingstop employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Wingstop logo

About Wingstop

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wingstop Inc. is a prominent player in the fast-casual dining industry, headquartered in Dallas, TX, USA. The company specializes in chicken wings, and its menu boasts a variety of flavors from spicy to sweet. Wingstop was founded in 1994 with a mission to serve the world flavor. Their commitment to this mission has earned them significant recognition with a presence across all 50 states and 9 countries, marking them as a leader in their industry. The company's core values, prominently displayed on their website, include being service minded, authentic, and fun. They prioritize quality, focusing on fresh, made-to-order wings and exceptional customer experience.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US