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Food Service Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Worker

Woodward, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

Food Service Substitute

Nevada, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Open Until FilledNevada Community School District is looking for our next food service substitutes! Food service substitutes work flexible hours for ...

Food Service Worker

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

Food Service Worker

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

Food Service Worker

Granger, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

Food Service Lead

Cedar Rapids, IA

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Food Service Lead is responsible for overseeing day-to-day food service operations, supporting patient, retail, catering, and special function services. The role provides direction to food ...

Food Service Cook

Barnum, IA

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Manson Northwest Webster Elementary School is currently accepting applications for a Food Service Cook. MNW Elementary school is a Preschool-6th grade building part of Manson Northwest Webster ...

Food Service Lead

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Overview The Food Service Lead is responsible for overseeing day-to-day food service operations, supporting patient, retail, catering, and special function services. The role provides direction to ...

Food Service Cook

Barnum, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Manson Northwest Webster Elementary School is currently accepting applications for a Food Service Cook. MNW Elementary school is a Preschool-6th grade building part of Manson Northwest Webster ...

Food Service Substitute

Nevada, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Nevada Community School District is looking for our next food service substitutes! Food service substitutes work flexible hours for on-call needs at our school kitchens between 7:00 - 2:00 PM Monday ...

Food Service Worker Job Reference Number: 39444 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Iowa City , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add a ...

Food Service Worker Job Reference Number: 39444 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Iowa City , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add a ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Service information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service in Iowa is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by food service workers and how can they be managed?

Food service workers often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak hours, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, and effectively communicating with both kitchen staff and customers. Staying organized, keeping a positive attitude under pressure, and being proactive with time management can help manage these challenges. Many workplaces also offer ongoing training and support to help staff continuously improve their skills and adapt to fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Food Service vs Food Preparation?

AspectFood ServiceFood Preparation
CredentialsNone required or basic food handler permitsFood safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringKitchen, food production areas
Job DutiesServing customers, taking orders, customer servicePreparing ingredients, cooking, assembling dishes
Industry UsageFront-of-house roles in food industryBack-of-house food production roles

Food Service involves direct interaction with customers, focusing on serving and customer experience, while Food Preparation centers on cooking and preparing food behind the scenes. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What is a food service worker?

A food service worker is an employee who prepares, serves, and cleans up food in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering events. They often handle tasks like taking orders, serving customers, and maintaining cleanliness, and may need food safety certifications or customer service skills.

What qualifications do you need for food service jobs?

Most food service jobs provide on-the-job training, so you don’t need many qualifications before starting work. Some employers prefer you to have a high school diploma, and you can take culinary courses to gain specific kitchen skills. To work front of house roles, you need strong interpersonal and customer service skills. If you want to work as a chef, you may have to work your way up from prep cook. All food service workers need physical stamina, as you spend most of each shift on your feet.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food service, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Service, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic food preparation, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handler certifications is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective service, customer satisfaction, and adherence to health and safety standards.

What is considered a food service job?

A food service job involves preparing, serving, or selling food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, or catering services. These roles often require customer service skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and may involve working with tools like cash registers or kitchen equipment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Service jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Service job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Service job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,696 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$15.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Join Our Family. Find Your Calling. 


Holy Family Catholic Schools Food Service is seeking a Food Service Resource position to join our Central Campus team! This 9-month, part-time position will begin in the 2026-2027 School Year and will follow the school calendar.
Food Service Resource is responsible for running the point of sale (cashier) system at the school site and for the school system with an overall goal of providing an environment that supports healthy food habits while maintaining program integrity and customer satisfaction. This position will also be responsible for the following: 

  • Operate computerized point-of-sale system and appropriately handle reporting.
  • Help with daily cleaning of food service area, cafeteria, all kitchen equipment, washing and sterilizing of all dishes, silverware, and utensils for use/non-use of the facility as requested by the supervisor.
  • Assist site supervisor with preparation, setup and execution of special events. Maintain event details and prepare billing with supervisor for approval by Food Service Director.
  • Maintain daily production records in regard to amount of food prepared, served and left over.

We offer a starting wage of $15.50 per hour. Full-time employees also receive the following benefits:

  • 401k match
  • Childcare discounts
  • K-12 tuition remission
  • Health and dental plans
  • Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Generous paid time-off

Share this opportunity with someone you think would be great for the job or apply today!
To learn more about Holy Family Catholic Schools, visit us online at: www.holyfamilydbq.org