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Full Time Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

Full-Time Cook

Vinton, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Cook Location: Windsor Manor of Vinton, IA $16.00/hr | Full-Time| 2nd Shift ... Supervise the kitchen under the direction of the Dining Services Director (DSD) and Chef/Lead Cook.

Full-Time Cook (11am-7pm)

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Food & Beverage Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a ... Current Openings: * 1 Full-time opening Compensation: * The starting pay rate will be based on ...

Full-Time Cook (11am-7pm)

Bettendorf, IA

$14.25 - $18/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Food & Beverage Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a ... Current Openings: * 1 Full-time opening Compensation: * The starting pay rate will be based on ...

Full-Time Cook (11am-7pm)

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Food & Beverage Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a ... Current Openings: * 1 Full-time opening Compensation: * The starting pay rate will be based on ...

Dishwasher

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

DISHWASHER POSITION PROFILE - FULL TIME FLEXIBLE AVAILABILITY Reports to: Executive Chef and Sous Chefs, position is non-exempt WHO WE ARE Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des ...

Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef. * Prepares items on ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef. * Prepares items on ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

Food Service Associate

Centralia, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Rotating Shift Description: GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the leadership of the House of Mercy Chef, participates as a dietary services team member and assists in ...

Full Time Froster

Clive, IA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Days and Hours (Full Time)- Flexible days depending on holidays. Being a holiday based business, we are not able to grant time off during the holidays. We are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day ...

Full Time Froster

Clive, IA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Days and Hours (Full Time)- Flexible days depending on holidays. Being a holiday based business, we are not able to grant time off during the holidays. We are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day ...

Cook II

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Overview UnityPoint-St Luke's Hospital Full-Time 10:30am-7pm Under the supervision of the Executive Chef, this position is responsible for production of high quality meals for clients. Maintaining an ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do full time chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 a full time chef?

Full time chefs are professional cooks who work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or other food establishments on a consistent, usually 40-hour-per-week basis. They are responsible for planning menus, preparing and cooking meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Full time chefs may specialize in specific cuisines or types of dishes, and often oversee inventory, budgeting, and compliance with health regulations. Their role is essential to the daily operations of any food service establishment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time chef?

To thrive as a Full Time Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a relevant culinary degree or apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and leading a cohesive team in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by full time chefs in a professional kitchen?

Full-time chefs often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure environments, maintaining consistency in food quality during busy service hours, and efficiently coordinating with kitchen staff. Balancing creativity with menu demands and dietary restrictions can also be demanding. Additionally, chefs must stay updated with food safety standards and often work long or irregular hours, especially during weekends and holidays. However, overcoming these challenges fosters strong teamwork, skill development, and career advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Full Time Chef vs Part Time Chef?

AspectFull Time ChefPart Time Chef
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time employment, usually no benefits
CertificationsOften requires culinary certifications or experienceSimilar certifications, but less emphasis on experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesSame as full-time, but with flexible scheduling

Full Time Chefs work regular, full-week hours with benefits, while Part Time Chefs have flexible, fewer hours without benefits. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the employment structure and hours differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Full Time Chef jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Full Time Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Culinary Aide - Full Time

Cedar Vale Assisted Living

Nashua, IA • On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Culinary Aide
Company Overview:
Cornerstone Management oversees multiple Assisted Living communities dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for seniors. Our mission is to foster safe, engaging, and person-centered environments where residents can thrive while preserving their independence and dignity.
Job Summary:
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare meals according to menu and dietary needs, using safe and sanitary food handling practices.
  • Follow recipes, portion control, and presentation standards to deliver high-quality, attractive meals on schedule.
  • Receive, label, and store food properly to ensure safety and minimize waste.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and work areas.
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor.
  • Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling.
  • Ensure compliance with state food safety regulations, including HACCP and the Iowa Food Code.
  • Communicate concerns or incidents to Chef Supervisor or management promptly.
  • Support the mission and values of Cornerstone Management Communities.

Qualifications:
  • Must understand and communicate food service vocabulary.
  • Must be punctual, with a good attendance record.
  • Must be mature and emotionally stable using calm and kind tone of voice, remaining calm in difficult or unusual circumstances.
  • Must be able to prioritize and organize work effectively and efficiently, staying on task.
  • Must be flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
  • Must be compassionate and work with tact and ethical awareness.
  • Must work as a team member with other personnel, Chef Supervisor and Assisted living Director.
  • Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills.
  • A service-oriented mindset.
  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to understand and relate well to senior adults.
  • Ability to read and complete necessary paperwork.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k).
  • Paid time off and recognized holidays.
  • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on resident-centered care.

Cornerstone Management is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.