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Cooking Job Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Spirit Lake, IA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you have special skills such as baking, we'd love to hear about what you could add to our kitchen ...

Cook

Boone, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live in long term and assisted care campuses? Would you like to take your skills to the next level and ...

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping ...

Cook

Robins, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order work -- who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of ...

New

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience - not just fast-food or short-order work - who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order work -- who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience - not just fast-food or short-order work - who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live in long term and assisted care campuses? Would you like to take your skills to the next level and ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live in long term and assisted care campuses? Would you like to take your skills to the next level and ...

Line Cook/Prep Cook

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$12 - $18/hr

... cooking a variety of dishes to the highest standards, ensuring that our customers receive delicious and high-quality meals. This position will be scheduled Thursday through Sunday, 25-30 hours a week ...

Cook

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Description COOK REPORTS TO: Dietary Manager POSITION SUMMARY: The morning cook works from 5:30am - 2:00pm. He/She prepares meals for in-house patients, employees, hospital guests, the Beck ...

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

Walcott, IA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order work -- who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order work -- who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of ...

Cook

Algona, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

This position requires meticulous attention to food preparation processes, from ingredient selection to cooking and presentation, to support the health and well-being of the school community. The ...

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

Robins, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order work -- who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Job information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Iowa is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a cooking job, and why are they important?

To thrive in a cooking job, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What is the difference between Cooking Job vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCooking JobFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsNone required, culinary training preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood processing plants, kitchens, cafeterias
Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceUsed in food manufacturing and institutional settings
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes

Cooking jobs primarily involve preparing and cooking meals in restaurants or catering settings, often requiring culinary skills and training. Food preparation workers focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, typically in food manufacturing or institutional environments. While both roles involve food handling, cooking jobs emphasize culinary techniques, whereas food prep roles concentrate on ingredient preparation.

What is a cooking job?

Cooking jobs involve preparing, cooking, and presenting food in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and private homes. People in these roles may work as chefs, cooks, line cooks, or kitchen assistants, and are responsible for following recipes, ensuring food safety, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Cooking jobs often require creativity, efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during busy meal times. Depending on the position, formal culinary training or on-the-job experience may be necessary.

What are some common challenges faced by cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in busy kitchens often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during rush periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling multiple orders simultaneously. Strong communication with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff is crucial for smooth service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common, requiring flexibility and a calm demeanor under pressure.
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Job jobs in Iowa? For Cooking Job jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cooking Job jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cooking Job job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

$18 - $21.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description
Cook
Our recipe for success includes a great cook. Are you the missing ingredient?
Join us at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Spirit Lake as a Cook! We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you have special skills such as baking, we'd love to hear about what you could add to our kitchen.
  • Full time 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., rotating weekends and holidays
  • $18 to $21.75 per hour, based on experience

We are a family-oriented healthcare provider dedicated to excellence, whose mission is to enhance the lives of those we serve by providing quality care with respect, dignity and kindness.
Click to View Job Description
Indeed users, please click APPLY to view job description and apply for the job!
Be rewarded for:
  • Referring other great team members
  • Excellent care of residents
  • Attendance and reliability
  • Leadership and integrity
  • Dreams for advancement
  • Being a team-player
  • Longevity

We offer:
  • Competitive wages based on experience
  • Benefits
  • Shift differentials
  • Referral bonus

Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) retirement program
  • Disability insurance
  • Accident insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance*
  • Life insurance*
  • Vision insurance*

*Available for part-time
EOE/AA
Cook