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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Sales Representative

Burlington, IA · On-site

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals. * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Access Dubuque

Pharmacy Technician

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Primary Contact 13894 Miranda Koch HR Generalist, Human Resources 608-342-4796 Phone Phone Phone Fax [email protected] Email True False True Job Details Location Platteville, WI Job Type Employee ...

Access Dubuque

RN General Surgery

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Primary Contact 13894 Miranda Koch HR Generalist, Human Resources 608-342-4796 Phone Phone Phone Fax [email protected] Email True False True Job Details Location Platteville, WI Job Type Employee ...

All JobsChef JobsEntry Level Chef JobsEntry Level Chef Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Iowa is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chef?

An Entry Level Chef, often called a Commis Chef, is a beginner role in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, plating dishes, and learning cooking techniques. This role is a stepping stone for gaining hands-on experience and advancing in the culinary industry. Many Entry Level Chefs work in restaurants, hotels, or catering services while developing their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chef, you need basic culinary skills, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Experience with kitchen tools, food preparation equipment, and safe handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help you succeed. These skills ensure you can prepare dishes efficiently, contribute positively to kitchen operations, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and cooperation.

How much do entry level chefs earn?

Entry level chefs typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in smaller or less upscale venues and can increase with skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

How to get an entry level chef job with no experience?

To secure an entry-level chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in food service settings. Building a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and obtaining relevant certifications like food safety can improve your chances; some employers also value a positive attitude and reliability over experience.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for an entry level chef?

As an Entry Level Chef, you typically start by assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, but there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience and continued training, you can progress to more senior kitchen roles such as Line Cook, Sous Chef, or even Head Chef over time. Many kitchens and restaurants offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and sometimes tuition assistance for further culinary education. Demonstrating strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn can significantly enhance your advancement prospects within the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Iowa are:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Line Cook (Afternoon/ Evening Availability)

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Aparium rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

LINE COOK
Reports to the Executive Chef; position is non-exempt
WHO WE ARE
Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, Surety Hotel celebrates the city's past while helping shape its future. Housed in a beautifully restored, 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark and now part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, Surety blends independent character with world-class hospitality. Inspired by the meaning of a surety bond, we make a promise as well; unmatched service, incredible design, and a superior level of hospitality rooted in connection and community. With 137 guest rooms and suites, vibrant gathering spaces, and onsite dining at Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety is both a destination for travelers and a point of pride for the City of Certainties.
WHO YOU ARE
Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to the how and what of a culinary professional. You have been perfecting your craft behind the line for a while. Grill, sauté, or salad station...you feel confident running each. You are an individual who is as excited to learn from your teammates as well as from the chefs. You've been studying up on the greats and have a fundamental foundation of techniques that you are ready to put to use. Your Instagram feed is almost entirely filled with recipes, restaurants, and chef profiles.
THE ROLE
The Line Cook reports to and works directly with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs (Culinary leadership team), developing and executing scratch-made dishes and recipes. It is critical that the Line Cook is someone who has been honing their craft and demonstrates knowledge in culinary techniques. The Line Cook is a task-oriented, list-driven individual who is comfortable working alongside their line cook colleagues and under the direction of the chef. There will be opportunities where collaboration with Culinary leadership is key as the valuable Line Cook insight is needed for our shared success.
At Aparium, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. The Line Cook will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with their peers, both in the kitchen and throughout the hotel. They will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of individuals with whom collaboration, humility, and open minds are the norm-no egos are allowed. The ability to work with controlled measures and respect for your leadership team and peers is imperative. We have no tolerance for the "old school way".
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Uphold and role model the company's principles of People, Place, and Character, while embodying our values that drive collaboration, intuitive service, and translocal hospitality
  • Collaborate with Culinary leadership, demonstrating a united front as a team committed to providing the best possible guest experience
  • Take pride in the food you prepare for guests, adhering to thoughtfully created recipes, presentation standards, and guest preferences
  • Work in an organized fashion with the utmost respect for your ingredients, equipment, and workspace
  • Demonstrate a professional sense of urgency while simultaneously being mindful of technique, in order to provide an amazing guest experience through the food you create
  • Possess a basic understanding of culinary skills, striving to learn more through constant study of your craft
  • Foster open lines of communication within the department by actively participating in daily lineups and Culinary all staff meetings, maintaining a transparent dialogue among the team to voice ideas and concerns, while course-correcting any missed opportunities
  • Actively participate in feedback sessions with Culinary leadership to further develop your skillset
  • Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the Culinary operation, reporting anything substandard to the Chef, Sous Chef, and/or engineering department to make corrections and improvements as needed
  • Maintain regular communication with the Culinary leadership team to ensure alignment on priorities, understanding that flexibility with your responsibilities is paramount to support a successful operation

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • Passion for learning and the culinary arts
  • Ability to work morning shifts, including weekends and holidays required
  • Minimum of two (2) years experience as an entry-level cook or higher, with a minimum of three (3) years experience in either a free-standing or hotel restaurant kitchen
  • Knowledge of food safety guidelines and requirements; SafeStaff standards
  • Adaptable interpersonal communication skills to address fellow associates at all levels
  • Conversational proficiency of the English language in reading, writing, and verbal communication
  • Ability to calculate basic math principles to meet proper menu ingredients and perform inventory
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods of time to meet high volume business
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods to cook required menu items
  • Ability to withstand warm to hot environments for prolonged periods while utilizing ovens, stoves, or fryers

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from, and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an E-Verify employer.

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