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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

IHOP

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Crestview Nursing & Rehab

Cook

Webster City, IA · On-site

$17/hr

As a Cook, you will support daily meal production and kitchen operations. What We Offer Compensation: $17 per hour Benefits * Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance * Paid Time Off (PTO)

IHOP

Cook

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$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 ...

Hardee's

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 ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA

$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 ...

HOTEL JULIEN

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 ...

IHOP

Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$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 ...

IHOP

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 ...

Tony's La Pizzeria

Pizza Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $20/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 and ...

HOTEL JULIEN

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 ...

Tribute Eatery & Bar

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$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 ...

SONIC Drive-In - W. Broadway

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 ...

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

Night Kitchen Crew

Mason City, IA

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 ...

Field Day Brewing Co.

Cook

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Our kitchen supports a full-service restaurant and brewery with a chef-driven menu, rotating craft ... Prepare and cook menu items accurately and efficiently during service * Set up, stock, and maintain ...

Barrel House

Line Cook

Marion, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

The Line Cook is a key member of our kitchen staff, responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes according to the restaurant's standards. This position demands a high level of ...

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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 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.

Cook

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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.

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