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Cooking Job Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$15/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 ...

Emery Place

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$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 ...

Emery Place

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$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 mealtime ...

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital

Cook

Guttenberg, IA · On-site

$16.04 - $24.06/hr

Strong customer team and interdepartmental communication skills * 1-4 years of experience in a hospital institutional or restaurant cooking preferred * Certified Dietary Manager preferred * Certified ...

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital

Cook

Guttenberg, IA · On-site

$16.04 - $24.06/hr

Strong customer team and interdepartmental communication skills * 1-4 years of experience in a hospital institutional or restaurant cooking preferred * Certified Dietary Manager preferred * Certified ...

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 ...

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics

Cook

Guttenberg, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Strong customer team and interdepartmental communication skills * 1-4 years of experience in a hospital institutional or restaurant cooking preferred * Certified Dietary Manager preferred * Certified ...

Western Home Communities

Cook

Madrid, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Direct and assist team members in the planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals * Prepare high quality, good-tasting, and visually appealing food * Maintain a clean, safe and sanitary ...

CommonSpirit Health

Cook

Missouri Valley, IA

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Every day you will follow safe cooking techniques, execute recipes with precision, and apply rigorous quality control to ensure consistent food quality and adherence. To be successful in this role ...

Cassia

Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Your passion for cooking nutritious and appetizing meals will be highly valued by our residents. This is a great opportunity to grow in a healthcare setting with a team that will continue to foster ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.75/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical Requirements * Prolonged standing and walking continuously, pushing dish racks, frequent stooping ...

Soar Restaurants

Cook

Keokuk, IA

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to ...

Sonic

Cook

Ankeny, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to ...

Sonic

Cook

Ankeny, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Continuous standing, bending, reaching, moving, stooping, stretching, and lifting in a restaurant environment; frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking; frequent exposure to ...

Cassia

Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$19/hr

Your passion for cooking nutritious and appetizing meals will be highly valued by our residents. This is a great opportunity to grow in a healthcare setting with a team that will continue to foster ...

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All JobsCooking Job JobsCooking Job Jobs in Iowa

Cooking Job information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 are cooking jobs?

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:
Cooking Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Cook

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.
We're not just a senior living management company-we're a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what's right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.
This is senior living, only better.
Benefits:
  • Compensation: $15 per hour
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401 (K) matching
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance programs

Position Summary
The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. 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 in a senior living environment. 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, and/or dinner according to the community menu
  • Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.)
  • Ensuring meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered
  • Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service

Kitchen Operations
  • Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas
  • Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards
  • Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs

Resident & Team Engagement
  • Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner
  • Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team
  • Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests
  • Representing the community with professionalism and warmth

Compliance & Safety
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations
  • Maintain required food handler certifications
  • Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining
  • Participate in required training and continuing education

Qualifications
  • Previous cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food)
  • Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
  • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently
  • Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor
  • Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods
  • Must pass background checks and meet state requirements

What Success Looks Like
  • Residents enjoy meals that feel home-cooked, consistent, and comforting
  • The kitchen is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
  • Mealtimes run smoothly with minimal delays
  • The Cook is reliable, calm under pressure, and a positive presence on weekends
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen operations

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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