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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Cook - Part-Time

Ames, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Utilizing culinary and customer service skills, Cooks prepare nutritious meals while forming ... Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week depending upon the needs of the facility. The ideal ...

Utilizing culinary and customer service skills, Cooks prepare nutritious meals while forming ... Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week depending upon the needs of the facility. The ideal ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Cook I

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... * Assist with training and team support by helping guide student employees and supporting ... Prepares and cooks meats, fish, vegetables, gravies, cereals, soups, fruits, bakery products and ...

Cook I

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... * Assist with training and team support by helping guide student employees and supporting ... Prepares and cooks meats, fish, vegetables, gravies, cereals, soups, fruits, bakery products and ...

Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook

Nevada, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook The Nevada Community School District is seeking a dedicated and ... * Assist with securing kitchen and storage areas. * Cross-train staff and develop team members to ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Ames, IA salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Ames, IA is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooks assistant?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooks assistant?

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,535 per year, or $15.6 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