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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ian's Pizza

Pizza Kitchen Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

As a cook, you'll also learn dough and cheese prep and pitch in where needed to keep the kitchen running smoothly. No experience required, though dough-stretching or pizza-making experience is a huge ...

Brew Oil LLC

COOKS

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Full-Time/Part-Time Kitchen This position is for kitchen cook. Cook is responsible for ensuring proper food safety is being followed Kitchen stays clean and sanitized Food warmers are kept full and ...

Rook Room LLC

Line Cook - Kitchen Staff

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Want to cook up more than food? At The Rook Room , we serve up delicious eats in a place where board games, creativity, and community collide. We're looking for energetic, detail-loving Kitchen Staff ...

Rook Room LLC

Line Cook - Kitchen Staff

Des Moines, IA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

We're looking for energetic, detail-loving Kitchen Staff to help us keep things fresh, flavorful, and fun. What You'll Do * Prep and cook menu items with care and consistency * Plate dishes like a ...

Barrel House

Kitchen Staff

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Essential skills for Kitchen Staff Positions are cooking abilities, stamina, teamwork, time management, being able to work in a fast-paced environment, and attention to safety. Food Safety ...

Barrel House

Kitchen Staff

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Essential skills for Kitchen Staff Positions are cooking abilities, stamina, teamwork, time management, being able to work in a fast-paced environment, and attention to safety. Food Safety ...

Barrel House

Kitchen Staff

Marion, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Essential skills for Kitchen Staff Positions are cooking abilities, stamina, teamwork, time management, being able to work in a fast-paced environment, and attention to safety. Food Safety ...

Opa Time

Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. * Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff ...

Barrel House

Kitchen Staff

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Essential skills for Kitchen Staff Positions are cooking abilities, stamina, teamwork, time management, being able to work in a fast-paced environment, and attention to safety. Food Safety ...

Taher, Inc.

Cook

Algona, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook will collaborate closely with kitchen staff to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment while managing time effectively to meet meal service schedules. This role ...

Hardee's

Night Kitchen Crew

Mason City, IA · On-site

You'll be on the line cooking and feeding product, staying on top of dishes, and closing down the kitchen the right way every night. Guests come first - your secondary tasks wait until the line is ...

Hardee's

Grill & Kitchen Help

Mason City, IA

$14 - $17.75/hr

You'll work the flat top grill cooking eggs, omelets, and sausage for the breakfast menu, keep up with daily kitchen tasks like fryer vat cleaning, and step into a cook position on the charbroiler ...

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely * Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized ...

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely * Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized ...

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All JobsKitchen Cook JobsKitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa

Kitchen Cook information

See Iowa salary details

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How much do kitchen cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen 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 is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants or hotel chains, with salaries often exceeding $70,000 annually. Specialized cuisines, extensive experience, and management responsibilities contribute to higher compensation in these positions.

What are some typical challenges kitchen cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, which can lead to stress and a fast-paced work environment. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to prioritize tasks quickly. Many kitchens rely on 'mise en place' (everything in its place) to ensure ingredients and tools are ready before service begins, helping cooks stay efficient and focused. Developing these habits not only improves performance but also builds resilience and teamwork in a professional kitchen.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

Kitchen cooks typically work in commercial kitchens and are paid for preparing food on-site. Cooking at home is usually a personal activity and not a paid job unless you offer catering or private chef services, which require proper licensing and client agreements.

What is the work of a cook in the kitchen?

A kitchen cook prepares, cooks, and presents food according to recipes and standards. They handle tasks such as chopping, cooking, plating, and maintaining cleanliness, often working with kitchen tools and following safety protocols. Cooks may specialize in specific cuisines or stations within the kitchen environment.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A kitchen cook can earn around $3,000 a month with experience, especially in high-volume restaurants or hotels. Additional income can come from overtime, tips, or working in specialized roles like sous chef or line cook, which may require culinary skills but not necessarily a degree.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, POS systems, and food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth service in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Kitchen Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, various stations, prep and cooking areasKitchen, specific station, fast-paced cooking line
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonKitchen Cook vs Line Cook

Both Kitchen Cooks and Line Cooks work in similar culinary environments, often sharing credentials and industry settings. The main difference is that Kitchen Cooks may have broader responsibilities, including prep work and overseeing multiple stations, while Line Cooks focus specifically on preparing dishes at a designated station during service. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the culinary industry.

What does a kitchen cook do?

A kitchen cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to recipes and restaurant standards. They handle various tasks such as chopping ingredients, monitoring food safety, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring meals are served on time. Kitchen cooks may also assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new staff. Their role is essential to creating a positive dining experience for customers.
Kitchen Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen 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.
Pizza Kitchen Cook

Pizza Kitchen Cook

Ian's Pizza

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

$17-$21/hour to join the magic behind our legendary pies in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Ian's Pizza is hiring part-time and full-time Cooks to start immediately.

For the quickest response to your application, apply on our website at ianspizza.com.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Whether you dream of owning a restaurant, trying out new careers, or just seeing where life takes you, Ian's is the place to be! You'll learn transferable skills, make awesome friends, and earn some sweet cash and tips along the way.

  • $15-$17/hour dependent on dough stretching experience + tips. Most cooks earn $17-$21/hr.
  • Tips + base pay every 2 weeks.
  • Flexible schedules and free pizza.
  • Work with a diverse, supportive crew at a legendary pizza joint.

About This Role

Impress your friends and family with your pizza-making skills! From hand-stretching dough to topping and baking, we'll teach you everything you need to craft one heck of a pizza pie. As a cook, you'll also learn dough and cheese prep and pitch in where needed to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

No experience required, though dough-stretching or pizza-making experience is a huge plus!

Ian's Pizza are a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant, be ready to hustle on your shifts! The team will support you, and we'll have fun along the way. We pinky promise.

Job Requirements

If you're a team player who brings effort and good vibes to every shift, we wanna hear from you!

  • Able to stand/walk for long periods and lift up to 50lbs regularly.
  • Comfortable using ovens, knives, and other restaurant tools.
  • Comfortable working in varying temperatures, hot ovens and cold walk-ins.
  • Must be 18+ (16-17 for Front of House).
  • Authorized to work in the U.S. (IDs required at Orientation).

Scheduling and Availability

Flexible schedules! We'll work with you to find a schedule that works for everyone.

Cedar Rapids is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-8:30pm and Sunday 11am-8pm. Kitchen shifts are typically scheduled from 9/10am-3/4pm for lunch and 3/4pm-9/10pm for dinner.

Evening and weekend availability is required. Part-time and full-time hours available.

Apply Today on our Website!

Roll in the dough (pun absolutely intended). Join a team where you can be yourself, earn sweet tips, and fill up on pizza!

Apply at ianspizza.com for the quickest response! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see the Ian's vibe in action.

We're located at 59 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, in the Lion Bridge Tap Room.