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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 · On-site

$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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

Emery Place

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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 ...

New

Better Living at Walcott

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsKitchen Cook JobsKitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa

Kitchen Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do kitchen cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen cook?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

COOKS

Brew Oil LLC

Storm Lake, IA • On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

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 fresh at all time

Apply