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Hotel Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Banquet Sous

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

... hotel's event calendar. Responsibilities: * Culinary Operations: * Oversee and actively participate in the preparation and cooking of all food items for banquet functions, ensuring adherence to ...

Banquet Sous

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

... hotel's event calendar. Responsibilities: * Culinary Operations: * Oversee and actively participate in the preparation and cooking of all food items for banquet functions, ensuring adherence to ...

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

NEW HOTEL OPENING What we offer: * Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 ... Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that ...

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

NEW HOTEL OPENING What we offer: * Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 ... Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

What we offer:

  • Competitive starting wages
  • Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 days
  • DailyPay
  • 401k
  • Paid Training
  • Paid PTO
  • Referral program
  • 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 banquets by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Adjusts thermostat controls to regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters, and steam kettles.
  • Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe to prepare soups, salads, gravies, desserts, sauces, and casseroles.
  • Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
  • Adds seasoning to foods during mixing or cooking.
  • Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is cooked.
  • Ensures that items are prepared according to recipes in a timely, efficient manner that prevents waste yet ensures quality and guest satisfaction.
  • Carves meats, portions food on serving plates, adds gravies and sauces, and garnishes servings to fill orders.
  • Washes, peels, cuts, and shreds vegetables and fruits to prepare them for use.
  • Cuts, trims, and bones meat prior to cooking.
  • Bakes bread, rolls, cakes, and pastry.
  • Follows proper procedures in handling food to ensure health and sanitation guidelines are met.
  • Uses tools and equipment properly to ensure safety and avoid injury or damage to equipment.
  • Assists in unloading trucks that arrive with supplies, storing and rotating inventory.
  • Cleans work area, freezers, kitchen area and dish area to ensure proper cleanliness is maintained.

KHC POLICIES: Responsible for following all KHC policies and procedures as set forth in the KHC handbook and property specific guidelines/standards. These policies include dress code, safety and performance standards. Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Less than high school education; or up to one-month related or transferable experience/training; or equivalent combination or education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, comprehend and follow simple instructions given either orally or in writing. Ability to write simple messages/notes/letters. Ability to communicate clearly in person, via telephone and in writing.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to read, write and recognize numbers, comprehend signs and symbols.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Franchise specific certifications may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All employees must follow proper safety precautions at all times to avoid injuries. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, grasp or type; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend or twist and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and to push, pull or lift over 10 pounds. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. All kitchen employees must wear rubber-soled shoes and follow proper safety precautions at all times to avoid injuries. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to temperature extremes from sub zero freezers, ovens, stoves and grills and extreme heat from fryers, broilers, ovens and warmers. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and a mild risk of electrical shock and occasionally works with moving mechanical parts such as slicers, dishwashers and sharpeners, toxic or caustic chemicals, and power tools or power equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ACCOMODATION: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT: Must be able to handle a crisis in a calm, effective manner. This includes upset guests, fire, tornado, armed robbery and assault, bomb threats and accidents.