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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Line Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

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

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 restaurants standards. This position demands a high level of ...

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

Line Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

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

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 ...

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

Line Cook

Marion, IA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

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

Line Cook

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

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

Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Join The Heritage at Northern Hills as a Cook! At Heritage Communities, you're more than your title ... Assisting with managing kitchen inventory and ordering supplies to minimize waste. * Maintaining a ...

Kitchen Aide

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Sanitation and safety practices related to handling, cooking, baking and serving food. * Methods of ... Standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements. * Health and safety regulations. * Basic ...

They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multi-tasking. Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques is important. The goal is to provide meals our residents will ...

Tin Roost in North Liberty is hiring Cooks to join our kitchen team. We're looking for reliable, hardworking individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced restaurant environment and take pride in ...

Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Cook you will play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of meal quality, safety, and ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Follow all food safety, storage ...

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Kitchen Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do kitchen cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 jobs for cooks are often executive chefs or head chefs in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience tend to offer the highest compensation in the culinary industry.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the culinary field, highly experienced or specialized kitchen cooks, such as executive chefs or private chefs working for high-net-worth clients, can earn up to $2,000 per day through premium services, catering, or consulting. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve working in luxury settings or managing large-scale events.

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 a professional basis. Cooking at home is usually a personal activity and not a paid job unless you offer catering or cooking services legally and professionally. Skills such as food safety and culinary techniques are important for paid cooking roles.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A kitchen cook typically does not earn $10,000 a month without significant experience or working in high-end establishments. Jobs that can reach this level of income without a degree often include specialized roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurs, which rely on skills, networking, and performance rather than formal education.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$13 - $17.50/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
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, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred.

Requirements/Responsibilities

Essential Duties:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
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, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred.

Special Instructions

Please do not send any emails, resumes, or call.
We are making it really easy to apply for this position.
Simply submit a ZippyApp application package which may include the Common Employment Application, Resume, and a Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please write a short paragraph describing yourself and why you would make a great addition to our team.

ZippyApp is the Common Employment Application for online and mobile that allows you to apply for jobs with one click, and is being accepted at a growing number of businesses each day.