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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Johnston, IA

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Iowa salary details

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$15

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How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, gain basic cooking skills through culinary classes or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Build a strong work ethic, demonstrate reliability, and prepare a resume highlighting any kitchen experience or related skills to increase your chances of employment in a restaurant environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

Is cook 1 entry level?

Yes, a Cook 1 position is typically considered entry-level in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as food preparation and following recipes, and often serves as a starting point for a culinary career. Advancement may require gaining experience and developing additional skills like knife techniques or kitchen safety certifications.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher to learn kitchen operations. Applying for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you gain experience and develop necessary skills such as food safety and knife handling.

How much does a beginner cook make?

Entry-level cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.
Line Cook (Morning Availability)

Line Cook (Morning Availability)

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 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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