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Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

IHOP

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$15 - $20/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 ...

Parkview Manor

Cook

Reinbeck, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

We are currently seeking a Cook to join our dedicated team at Parkview.This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about food and eager to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. If you ...

Buchanan County Health Center

Cook

Independence, IA

$17 - $23.80/hr

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and presentations of foods for patients, employees, visitors and special functions. Assists in the overall sanitation of kitchen equipment. * EDUCATION ...

Buchanan County Health Center

Cook

Independence, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and presentations of foods for patients, employees, visitors and special functions. Assists in the overall sanitation of kitchen equipment. * EDUCATION ...

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 others with care. Whether you're building your culinary skills or bringing experience with you, this is a ...

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 others with care. Whether you're building your culinary skills or bringing experience with you, this is a ...

Summit

Cook

Dike, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Evansdale, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

La Porte City, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Jesup, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Independence, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Brandon, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Hudson, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Elior North America

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Dunkerton, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Summit

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

Care Initiatives

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Schedule/ Shifts Available: Full-time day shift Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals during their healthcare journey? If so, join Care ...

Elior North America

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 39280 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...

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Cook information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Waterloo, IA is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a chef vs. cook?

A cook is a person who prepares and cooks food, often working in kitchens with basic skills and following recipes. A chef is a trained culinary professional who typically has formal education, oversees kitchen operations, and creates menus and recipes. The main difference lies in training, responsibilities, and level of expertise.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

A cook can earn money by preparing meals at home through options like catering, meal prep services, or selling homemade food. These opportunities often require cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes permits or certifications. Income varies based on the scale of the operation and local regulations.

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 is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or specialized culinary professionals in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private establishments. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and can offer salaries significantly above standard line cook roles.

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 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.

How do I get a job as a cook?

To get a job as a cook, you typically need relevant culinary skills, which can be gained through culinary school, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Employers often look for food safety certifications and a good work ethic, and job opportunities are available in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

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.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Cook job openings:
Cook jobs near you
Cook

Cook

IHOP

Cedar Falls, IA

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 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