1

Hotel Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Clinton, IA · On-site

$18/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 ...

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 ...

Fuel Cook Full Time

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Fuel Cook Full Time Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is an award-winning gaming destination with more than 675 slot machines, live table game action, first-class amenities, and heart-pounding ...

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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

Cook PT / FT

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Description The beautiful and historic Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Cook at our StepStone Hospitality managed hotel. We are looking for a ...

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Responsibilities Cook -Wage: $14/hour -Full-time position available -Day shifts available ... Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healt ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healt ...

Cook

Clive, IA

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healt ...

Showing results 21-40

Hotel Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do hotel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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?

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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Hotel Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Line Cook (Afternoon/ Evening Availability)

Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

Des Moines, IA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

LINE COOK
Reports to the Executive Chef; position is non-exempt
WHO WE ARE
Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, Surety Hotel celebrates the city’s past while helping shape its future. Housed in a beautifully restored, 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark and now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Surety blends independent character with world-class hospitality. Inspired by the meaning of a surety bond, we make a promise as well; unmatched service, incredible design, and a superior level of hospitality rooted in connection and community. With 137 guest rooms and suites, vibrant gathering spaces, and onsite dining at Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety is both a destination for travelers and a point of pride for the City of Certainties.
WHO YOU ARE
Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to the how and what of a culinary professional. You have been perfecting your craft behind the line for a while. Grill, sauté, or salad station...you feel confident running each. You are an individual who is as excited to learn from your teammates as well as from the chefs. You’ve been studying up on the greats and have a fundamental foundation of techniques that you are ready to put to use. Your Instagram feed is almost entirely filled with recipes, restaurants, and chef profiles.
THE ROLE
The Line Cook reports to and works directly with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs (Culinary leadership team), developing and executing scratch-made dishes and recipes. It is critical that the Line Cook is someone who has been honing their craft and demonstrates knowledge in culinary techniques. The Line Cook is a task-oriented, list-driven individual who is comfortable working alongside their line cook colleagues and under the direction of the chef. There will be opportunities where collaboration with Culinary leadership is key as the valuable Line Cook insight is needed for our shared success.
At Aparium, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. The Line Cook will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with their peers, both in the kitchen and throughout the hotel. They will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of individuals with whom collaboration, humility, and open minds are the norm—no egos are allowed. The ability to work with controlled measures and respect for your leadership team and peers is imperative. We have no tolerance for the “old school way”.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Uphold and role model the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character, while embodying our values that drive collaboration, intuitive service, and translocal hospitality
  • Collaborate with Culinary leadership, demonstrating a united front as a team committed to providing the best possible guest experience
  • Take pride in the food you prepare for guests, adhering to thoughtfully created recipes, presentation standards, and guest preferences
  • Work in an organized fashion with the utmost respect for your ingredients, equipment, and workspace
  • Demonstrate a professional sense of urgency while simultaneously being mindful of technique, in order to provide an amazing guest experience through the food you create
  • Possess a basic understanding of culinary skills, striving to learn more through constant study of your craft
  • Foster open lines of communication within the department by actively participating in daily lineups and Culinary all staff meetings, maintaining a transparent dialogue among the team to voice ideas and concerns, while course-correcting any missed opportunities
  • Actively participate in feedback sessions with Culinary leadership to further develop your skillset
  • Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the Culinary operation, reporting anything substandard to the Chef, Sous Chef, and/or engineering department to make corrections and improvements as needed
  • Maintain regular communication with the Culinary leadership team to ensure alignment on priorities, understanding that flexibility with your responsibilities is paramount to support a successful operation
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • Passion for learning and the culinary arts
  • Ability to work morning shifts, including weekends and holidays required
  • Minimum of two (2) years experience as an entry-level cook or higher, with a minimum of three (3) years experience in either a free-standing or hotel restaurant kitchen
  • Knowledge of food safety guidelines and requirements; SafeStaff standards
  • Adaptable interpersonal communication skills to address fellow associates at all levels
  • Conversational proficiency of the English language in reading, writing, and verbal communication
  • Ability to calculate basic math principles to meet proper menu ingredients and perform inventory
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods of time to meet high volume business
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc.
  • Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods to cook required menu items
  • Ability to withstand warm to hot environments for prolonged periods while utilizing ovens, stoves, or fryers
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from, and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an E-Verify employer.