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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Walcott, IA

$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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Robins, IA

$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

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 ...

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, dining area, storage area, and food preparation ...

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, dining area, storage area, and food preparation ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA

$17 - $19/hr

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must ...

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 ...

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must ...

Cook

Urbandale, IA

$12 - $16/hr

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must ...

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must ...

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

The Banquet Cook collaborates with the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests while maintaining food safety and kitchen cleanliness standards.Key Responsibilities:Event ...

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

The Banquet Cook collaborates with the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests while maintaining food safety and kitchen cleanliness standards. Key Responsibilities : Event ...

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

The Banquet Cook collaborates with the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests while maintaining food safety and kitchen cleanliness standards. Key Responsibilities : Event ...

Grill & Kitchen Help

Mason City, IA · On-site

$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 ...

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 and ...

If you're passionate about cooking and have at least one year of experience in the kitchen, we'd love to hear from you! What You'll Be Doing: As a Cook at Tommy's West Restaurant, you'll play a vital ...

New

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Job opportunities as Cook / Food Prep / Kitchen Team Member / BOH Crew Member is generally offered as full time or part time restaurant job. Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep ...

Cook

Coralville, IA

$15 - $22/hr

Now Hiring Kitchen Team Members at Tribute Eatery & Bar Tribute Eatery & Bar is hiring Prep Cooks and Line Cooks to join our back-of-house team in Coralville. If you enjoy working with food, staying ...

Showing results 21-40

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.
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.

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits:

  • Compensation: 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401 (K) matching
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience — not just fast-food or short-order work — who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime in a senior living environment. The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Service

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu
  • Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.)
  • Ensuring meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered
  • Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service

Kitchen Operations

  • Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas
  • Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards
  • Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs

Resident & Team Engagement

  • Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner
  • Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team
  • Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests
  • Representing the community with professionalism and warmth

Compliance & Safety

  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations
  • Maintain required food handler certifications
  • Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining
  • Participate in required training and continuing education

Qualifications

  • Previous cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food)
  • Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
  • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently
  • Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor
  • Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods
  • Must pass background checks and meet state requirements

What Success Looks Like

  • Residents enjoy meals that feel home-cooked, consistent, and comforting
  • The kitchen is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
  • Mealtimes run smoothly with minimal delays
  • The Cook is reliable, calm under pressure, and a positive presence on weekends
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen operations


We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.