ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hospital Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Thedacare

Hospital Cook - Part Time

Manchester, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of the department. Prepares individual servings and/or quantity production for patients/residents, cafeteria/retail areas ...

Cherokee Regional Medical Center

Cook

Cherokee, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

He/She prepares meals for in-house patients, employees, hospital guests, the Beck (independent living facility), cafeteria lunch service and mobile meals. Cook may act as support person for staff ...

Cherokee Regional Medical Center

Cook

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

He/She prepares meals for in-house patients, employees, hospital guests, the Beck (independent living facility), cafeteria lunch service and mobile meals. Cook may act as support person for staff ...

Clarke County Hospital

Dietary Cook (PRN)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Prepare and cook all entrees as menued. Perform tasks such as cut and trim meat, fish and poultry ... Basic Clarke County Hospital (CCH) Performance Criteria * Demonstrates Clarke County Hospital ...

Clarke County Hospital

Dietary Cook (PRN)

Osceola, IA

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Prepare and cook all entrees as menued. Perform tasks such as cut and trim meat, fish and poultry ... Basic Clarke County Hospital (CCH) Performance Criteria * Demonstrates Clarke County Hospital ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital Des Moines Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 18.25 USD Hourly Work ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ...

Hhs

Cook

Clive, IA

$18.25/hr

MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital Des Moines Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 18.25 USD Hourly Work ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ...

Hhs

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$19/hr

Eastern Iowa Rehabilitation Hospital Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 19.00 USD Hourly Work Shift ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Responsibilities Cook -Wage: $14/hour -Full-time position available -Day shifts available ... Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff * Follow company recipes and ...

Hhs

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$14/hr

Responsibilities Cook -Wage: $14/hour -Full-time position available -Day shifts available ... Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff * Follow company recipes and ...

Iowa Specialty Hospital

Cook - PRN

Belmond, IA · On-site

$15.44/hr

PRN Cook position available. Shifts primarily from 6:00am- 2:30pm, and 11:00am- 7:30pm Ability to ... When I think about the past 14 years, I have been at Iowa Specialty Hospitals several experiences ...

Imh

Cook PRN

George, IA

$19.31 - $25.11/hr

Our hospitals employ professional chefs, culinary leaders, cooks, and nutrition care associates. We treat our hospitals and catering events like hotels, with restaurant-quality cafes and a guest ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHospital Cook JobsHospital Cook Jobs in Iowa

Hospital Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$15

$18

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in Iowa is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hospital cook?

The responsibilities of a hospital cook are similar to those of a chef working in any restaurant. However, strict adherence to nutritional requirements and healthcare plans are essential for all patients. As a hospital cook, your duties include working in a cafeteria and helping craft a menu that caters to various dietary requirements. You complete food preparation each morning and determine each meal plan, with help from doctors and nurses. You proportion meals onto trays based on provided instructions and ensure meals are delivered on time so that patients can take their medications. You also ensure that produce and other foods are rotated in a timely fashion to ensure freshness.

What is the difference between Hospital Cook vs Hospital Dietary Aide?

AspectHospital CookHospital Dietary Aide
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety training, basic dietary knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasDining areas, patient rooms, food service stations
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, cookingServing meals, assisting with food distribution, cleaning
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, long-term care, healthcare settings

Hospital Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals according to dietary guidelines, requiring culinary skills and certifications. Dietary Aides assist with meal service and patient food distribution, often with less emphasis on cooking. Both roles are essential in hospital food service but differ mainly in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are some common challenges hospital cooks face when preparing meals for patients with diverse dietary needs?

Hospital Cooks often encounter the challenge of accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences while ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. They must strictly follow guidelines provided by dietitians and nutritionists, which can include preparing low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly options. Balancing these requirements while maintaining food safety standards and meeting tight meal schedules requires strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Effective communication with the dietary team and adaptability are key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospital cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a food handler’s certification or related training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, dietary management systems, and inventory tools is typical for the role. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with staff and patients set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure safe, nutritious meals are prepared efficiently, supporting patient health and meeting strict healthcare standards.
More about Hospital Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in Iowa? For Hospital Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Hospital Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in IA? For Hospital Cook jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hospital Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital 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 $31,336 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Hospital Cook - Part Time

Thedacare

Manchester, IA • On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

ThedaCare rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

530th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why ThedaCare?

Living A Life Inspired!

Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world.

At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility. A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you're interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare.

Benefits, with a whole-person approach to wellness -

  • Lifestyle Engagement
    • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support
  • Access & Affordability
    • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare

About ThedaCare!

Summary :The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of the department. Prepares individual servings and/or quantity production for patients/residents, cafeteria/retail areas, catering events, and other areas where food is needed. Follows production sheets and recipes to ensure quality and quantity standards are met. Follows department standards for safe food handling, storage, and sanitation.
SHIFT: 10:30 am - 7:00 pm, every other weekend, two holiday's per yearJob Description:

Schedule:

  • 10:30a-7p

  • Every other weekend required

  • 3 holidays per year required

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Gathers and prepares ingredients to use in cooking and sets up work station. Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe.

  • Cooks food using proper cooking technique to ensure desired quality standards for portion size, taste, appearance, and temperature. Displays and serves food according to standards, meeting service deadlines. Taste tests recipes to ensure quality standards are met.

  • Follows standards for safe food handling, storage, and sanitation. Maintains accurate temperature logs per department standards. Correctly labels and dates all food produced.

  • Reviews and follows production sheets and recipes. Collaborates with team to improve food quality and food production to control food waste.

  • If scheduled for cafe production, efficiently prepares food to recipe standards and established steps of service, while maintaining friendly interaction with customers. Ensures food is at correct temperature and attractively displayed.

  • Rotates inventory of food items to ensure freshness, quality, and food storage standards are maintained. Communicates inventory purchasing needs to the appropriate person.

  • Follows established food handling procedures, monitors temperature of food and equipment, etc., to ensure food safety and infection control practices are met.

  • Uses necessary equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.

  • Cleans, sanitizes, and maintains an organized work area.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred

  • One year of experience in food production or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance

  • Job classification is not exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing normal job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Normally works in climate controlled environment, however will be exposed to heat and humidity from cooking equipment, and cold while in walk in coolers and freezers

  • Frequent standing with movement throughout work area

  • Frequent exposure to sharp objects and instruments

  • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock

  • Occasional high noise level in work environment

  • Possible exposure to hazardous materials

  • Interaction with department members and other healthcare providers.

Position requires compliance with department specific competencies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:20Scheduled FTE:0.5Location:ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Neenah - Neenah,WisconsinOvertime Exempt:NoWorker Shift Details:Variable

What ThedaCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

ThedaCare logo

About ThedaCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We want to make exceptional care effortless for our patients. At ThedaCare, that means going above and beyond treating a particular condition – it means helping you achieve better health for life. You and your family are at the center of everything we do, from prioritizing your schedule when making appointments to designing our facilities for your comfort and convenience. Remaining proactive in your care allows us to better predict and prevent disease before complications arise, and when it comes to making important health-related decisions, we are here to support you. In every interaction, we want you to have full confidence the care you receive is purposeful, cost-effective and will help you continue enjoying life as you’ve planned it. ThedaCare is the third largest healthcare employer in Wisconsin, and the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with over 7,000 team members.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Neenah, WI, US

Year founded

1909

View All ThedaCare Jobs

Apply