ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

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

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 · 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 ...

All 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 Jul 1, 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 the most entry level chef position?

The most entry-level chef position is typically a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting more experienced chefs. These roles often require minimal experience, focus on learning kitchen skills, and may involve working under supervision in a restaurant or culinary setting.

What is an Entry Level Chef job?

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 to become an entry level chef?

To become an entry level chef, individuals typically complete a culinary arts program or gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen positions. Developing cooking skills, understanding food safety standards, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What is an entry level chef position?

An entry level chef position is a beginner role in a kitchen, often involving basic food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks. It typically requires little prior experience and may involve working under the supervision of more experienced chefs, with opportunities to learn culinary skills and gain certifications like food safety training.

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.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

Entry level chef positions often do not require prior experience and focus on basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Gaining experience through volunteering, completing culinary courses, or working in entry-level food service roles can improve chances of securing a chef job. Demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic is also important in the hiring process.
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:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 15% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Cook - Entry Level

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

Riverside, IA

$15.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 141 rated casinos

Job description

The Cook 1 is responsible for learning and maintaining knowledge of kitchen equipment and knives. This position must be able to work in all assigned stations in the kitchen, assisting the Cook Level III and Sous Chef in everyday workings of the kitchen.

Essential Functions:

Ensure operational quality aspects are met, helping to create high quality product that is eye appealing and flavorful.

Understand basic knowledge of equipment pertaining to assigned work area.

Assist Cook Level III in the smooth operation of the kitchen.

Ability to take instructions and follow through with directions.

Prepare food with proper seasonings and flavors.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Practical kitchen knowledge.

Must demonstrate communication skills.

Must demonstrate organization skills and ability to multi-task.

Schedule:

Full-Time: Days, Swing, Weekends/Holidays

Salary:

$15.50-$17.00/hr (including premium pay) with 40 hours of Paid Time Off upon hire


#hc250645