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Hotel Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hotels

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center is seeking a motivated and dependable full-time 2nd shift Cook to join our Culinary team. In this role, you'll help prepare high-quality food ...

Marcus Hotels

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center is seeking a motivated and dependable full-time 2nd shift Cook to join our Culinary team. In this role, you'll help prepare high-quality food ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Previous experience as a Banquet Cook, Line Cook, or Prep Cook in a hotel, event center, or high-volume kitchen. Ability to work efficiently in large-scale food production and batch cooking ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA

$17 - $21.25/hr

Previous experience as a Banquet Cook, Line Cook, or Prep Cook in a hotel, event center, or high-volume kitchen. Ability to work efficiently in large-scale food production and batch cooking ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Previous experience as a Banquet Cook, Line Cook, or Prep Cook in a hotel, event center, or high-volume kitchen. Ability to work efficiently in large-scale food production and batch cooking ...

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Banquet Cook Full Time

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is an award-winning gaming destination with more than 675 slot ... JOB SUMMARY The Banquet Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu ...

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Fuel Cook Full Time

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is an award-winning gaming destination with more than 675 slot ... JOB SUMMARY : The Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu ...

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Banquet Cook Part Time

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is an award-winning gaming destination with more than 675 slot ... JOB SUMMARY The Banquet Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu ...

Element Hotel

Line Cook

Iowa City, IA

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants SUMMARY Prepares, seasons, and cooks soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs for consumption in restaurant and ...

Hotel Millwright

Lead Line Cook

Amana, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

About the Organization Welcome to Leisure Hotels and Resorts! Our employees build relationships ... Lead Line Cook Description Summary: Prepares food that results in high quality of taste and ...

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Prepping and cooking menu items for our full-service banquet kitchen to the exacting standards and ... Minimum one (1) year experience in a hotel, restaurant or similar venue. Weekend availability and ...

Wild Rose Entertainment

Cook

Emmetsburg, IA

$14/hr

The Cook is responsible for providing superior guest service through the functions of this position to all Wild Rose Casino & Hotel guests. In addition to the below key duties and responsibilities ...

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Prepping and cooking menu items for our full-service banquet kitchen to the exacting standards and ... Requirements: • High school diploma or GED. • Minimum one (1) year experience in a hotel ...

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All JobsHotel Cook JobsHotel Cook Jobs in Iowa

Hotel Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do hotel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hotel 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.

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

To thrive as a Hotel Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a culinary arts diploma or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the preparation of high-quality dishes, compliance with health regulations, and smooth kitchen operations in a demanding hospitality environment.

Who cooks food in a hotel called?

A hotel cook is responsible for preparing meals in a hotel kitchen. They typically follow recipes, maintain food safety standards, and work in a team environment, often requiring culinary skills and certifications such as food handler permits.

What are the duties of a hotel cook?

A hotel cook prepares and cooks food according to menu specifications, ensuring quality and presentation standards are met. They handle food storage, maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, and may assist with inventory management and following safety regulations. Strong cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Hotel Cook vs Restaurant Cook?

AspectHotel CookRestaurant Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentHotels, large kitchens, diverse cuisinesRestaurants, fast-paced, specialized menus
Employer & IndustryHospitality industry, hotelsFood service industry, restaurants
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Hotel cooks prepare meals for hotel guests, often working in large, multi-cuisine kitchens within the hospitality industry. Restaurant cooks focus on preparing dishes in a restaurant setting, typically with a narrower menu. Both roles require culinary skills and food safety certifications, but the work environment and scope differ. Hotel cooks often handle larger volumes and diverse cuisines, while restaurant cooks specialize in specific dishes for a dining establishment.

What are the typical challenges a hotel cook faces during busy service periods?

Hotel cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as breakfast or dinner rushes, where they must efficiently manage multiple orders while maintaining quality and presentation standards. Coordination with other kitchen staff and clear communication are crucial to ensure timely delivery of dishes. Additionally, hotel cooks need to adapt quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests from guests, making flexibility and problem-solving essential skills in this role.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or resorts, with salaries significantly higher than entry-level cook roles. These roles typically require extensive experience, culinary skills, and management abilities, and may include additional responsibilities such as menu planning and staff supervision.

How to become a traveling cook?

A traveling cook is a culinary professional who works in various locations, often for catering companies, cruise ships, or temporary assignments. To become one, gain experience in cooking, develop flexibility and adaptability, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are also important for success in this role.

What does a hotel cook do?

A hotel cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting meals to hotel guests, often following specific recipes and standards set by the hotel. Their duties can include prepping ingredients, cooking a variety of dishes, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and sometimes assisting with menu planning. Hotel cooks may work in different kitchen stations, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or banquets, depending on the hotel's offerings. They must adhere to food safety guidelines and work efficiently as part of a kitchen team to ensure guests receive high-quality food.
What are popular job titles related to Hotel Cook jobs in Iowa? For Hotel Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hotel Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Hotel Cook jobs in Iowa are:
Hotel Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hotel Cook job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.
Line Cook (Hotel Job)

Line Cook (Hotel Job)

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$16.07/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Kirkwood Community College rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

585th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: $16.07 Hourly
Location : Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Hotel FT Hourly
Job Number: 02889
Division: Operations
Department: The Hotel At Kirkwood Center
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
JOB GOAL:
Weekend Availability is a must.
Pay: Line I- starts at $16.07, Line II- starts at $17.53
To advance The Kirkwood Community College Center for Hospitality Excellence's vision to lead the world in educating and preparing the finest hospitality professionals that will impact the global community. Our Mission is to be the best place to learn, recruit and stay. We do this by teaching, developing and serving.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foodstuffs for both fine dining restaurant and banquet/event guests. This position serves as a trainer. Trainers are responsible for supervising the learning experiences of students in all areas of The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, The Kirkwood Center for Hospitality Arts and The Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Substitute for, assist other cooks during emergencies, or rush periods.
  • Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables in preparation for use.
  • Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foodstuffs for consumption.
  • Identify, list and explain ingredients in response to dietary inquiries.
  • Prepare and serve family meals for Hotel employees.
  • Regular and consistent attendance at work.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.

Cook II- Must Demonstrate Constantly certain predefined kitchen skills.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions (i.e. menus/recipes) as well as to cook and plan meals.
  • Must be able to stand 5-6 hours a day and to squat, reach & bend on a regular basis.
  • Must have knowledge of food storage/handling techniques.
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in a kitchen setting. Occasional (10-33%) sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling,
crouching and crawling. Frequent (34-66%) lifting up to 50 pounds. Constant (67-100%) standing,
walking, reaching, talking, hearing, tasting and smelling.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or the equivalent required.
  • Some Kitchen Line or Prep Experience desired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Preference will be given to those candidates with a post high school degree.
  • Preference will be given to those candidates with a minimum of two years full-time experience in a related hospitality setting or the equivalent education and related work experience.

EEO AA/STATEMENT:
It
is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its
programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed,
religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you
have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please
contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness
(employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood
Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil
Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244
Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX:
(303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:
text-decoration:underline;">OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01
What days and times are you available to work? Please list day of week and start and stop times. (example: Mon 4pm-11pm)
02
How many hours a week would you like to be scheduled?Provide the minimum and maximum ( example: 15-30)
03
If you were referred to work here by another Hotel employee, please list their name here:
Required Question

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