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Entry Level Kitchen Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music ... We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music ... We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music ... We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Johnston, IA

$15/hr

Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music ... We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music ... We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ...

Domino's

Assistant Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... entry level if you have no experience! Job bonuses/perks: * Flexible schedule. * Happy to train ... Oversee operations of the kitchen and delivery crew. * Receive Customer's orders over the phones ...

Domino's Pizza

Assistant Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... entry level if you have no experience! Job bonuses/perks: * Flexible schedule. * Happy to train ... Oversee operations of the kitchen and delivery crew. * Receive Customer's orders over the phones ...

Domino's Pizza

Assistant Manager/Shift Leader

Ames, IA

$18/hr

... entry level if you have no experience! Job bonuses/perks: * Flexible schedule. * Happy to train ... Oversee operations of the kitchen and delivery crew. * Receive Customer's orders over the phones ...

Domino's

Assistant Manager/Shift Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

$18/hr

... entry level if you have no experience! Job bonuses/perks: * Flexible schedule. * Happy to train ... Oversee operations of the kitchen and delivery crew. * Receive Customer's orders over the phones ...

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Entry Level Kitchen information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do entry level kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level kitchen in Iowa is $14.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to work in a kitchen with no experience?

Entry level kitchen positions often require minimal experience and focus on basic tasks such as food prep, cleaning, and dishwashing. Demonstrating a willingness to learn, good work ethic, and the ability to follow instructions can help you get started; some employers may also provide on-the-job training. Having basic knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation is beneficial.

What is the difference between Entry Level Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectEntry Level KitchenLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingSimilar credentials; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, assisting with prep and basic tasksCooking on the line, preparing dishes during service
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in restaurants, hotels, cateringMid-level position in kitchens, often requiring some experience

Entry Level Kitchen roles focus on basic kitchen tasks and prep work, serving as an introduction to culinary work. Line Cooks are more experienced, responsible for cooking dishes during service. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments, but Line Cooks typically require more skills and experience.

What is the easiest job in a kitchen?

Entry-level kitchen jobs such as dishwashing or prep cook are generally considered the easiest, as they involve basic tasks like cleaning dishes or preparing ingredients. These roles typically require minimal experience and skills, making them accessible for beginners in a kitchen environment.

What is an entry level kitchen job?

An entry level kitchen job is a position suitable for individuals with little or no prior experience working in a kitchen environment. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, cleaning, and basic cooking, and may require basic skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Kitchen Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety guidelines, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, sanitation procedures, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food safety standards, and support a positive working environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level kitchen staff and how can they be overcome?

Entry level kitchen staff often face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning to follow strict food safety protocols. It's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and be open to feedback from more experienced colleagues. Consistent practice, asking questions when unsure, and being adaptable can help new team members quickly build confidence and improve their performance.

Which kitchen position is an entry level role?

An entry-level kitchen position is typically a line cook, prep cook, or dishwasher. These roles usually require minimal experience, focus on basic food preparation skills, and often do not require formal certifications. They serve as starting points for those seeking to build a career in culinary work.

What are entry level kitchen jobs?

Entry level kitchen jobs are positions in restaurant or food service kitchens that require little to no previous experience. Common roles include dishwasher, prep cook, or kitchen assistant. These jobs involve basic tasks such as washing dishes, prepping ingredients, cleaning, and assisting chefs or cooks. Entry level kitchen jobs are a great way to learn fundamental kitchen skills, gain experience in the food industry, and advance to higher positions over time.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Kitchen jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Kitchen job openings:
Entry Level Kitchen jobs near you
Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Raising Cane's

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 1,529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 103 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Starting hiring pay at: $15.00
As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music and have some fun while you are working hard to prepare the highest quality chicken finger meals for our customers to enjoy. Starting out in the back of the house at Raising Cane's can lead to many promotional opportunities for Cooks to grow their career by moving into advanced roles like Bird Specialist or Certified Trainer.
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: opening shifts, closing shifts and everything in between. Whether you have previous experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a position for you. We offer competitive pay and benefits for all positions. Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Restaurant Cook on the team. We will make sure you are prepared to grow your Restaurant career with us.
Within your first year of working in the Restaurant, you can earn up to an extra $1.50 per hour in pay increases through additional training, certifications, and performance evaluations! If you want to be at Restaurant that is a FUN place to work, that values your growth and provides opportunities to impact your community, we want you on our team
Qualities of awesome Canes Restaurant Cook:
  • Team player
  • Excellent communicator
  • Happy, Courteous and Enthusiastic
  • Hard working and attentive
  • Responsible and dependable
  • Authentic and genuine
  • Takes pride in doing a good job

Benefits available for hourly Crew:
  • Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental, Vision Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Insurance, Auto and Renter's Insurance, and ID Theft Protection
  • OnePass Gym Membership Program
  • 401(k) With Safe Harbor Employer Match (age 21 & older)
  • Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning
  • Crewmember Assistance Program
  • Education assistance
  • Pet Insurance

Perks & Rewards for hourly Crew:
  • Paid Time Off*
  • Closed for all major holidays**
  • Early closure for company events
  • Casual Work Attire
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Perkspot Employee Discount Program

*Must satisfy hours requirement per year
**Locations may vary
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
The intellectual and physical demands described below are representative of what must be met by Crewmembers to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Lift and carry, push or pull heavy objects up to 50 pounds
  • Kneel, bend, twist or stoop
  • Ascend or descend stairs
  • Reach and grasp objects (including above head and below waistline)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Ability to show up to scheduled shifts on time
  • Cleaning tables, floors and other areas of the Restaurant
  • Taking orders from Customers and processing payments efficiently
  • Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food
  • Ability to multitask

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Provide all Customers with quick and friendly service
  • Work together as a team, assisting other Crewmembers in completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service
  • Work under pressure and at a fast pace
  • Align with Raising Cane's culture by balancing Working Hard and Having Fun
  • Take initiative
  • Comply with Company policies

Raising Cane's appreciates & values individuality. EOE
#RCDNP

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