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Kitchen Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Back of House Team Member

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$11 - $16.50/hr

Stock kitchen inventory as needed * Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly kitchen environment * Stay updated on new Chick-fil-A products * Work safely with kitchen equipment * Complete opening or ...

Chick-fil-A

Back of House Team Member

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$11 - $16.50/hr

Stock kitchen inventory as needed * Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly kitchen environment * Stay updated on new Chick-fil-A products * Work safely with kitchen equipment * Complete opening or ...

IHOP

Dishwasher

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning kitchen machines and appliances (coffee makers, pans, pots, mixers, stoves). Dishwasher we have a vacant spot for a well-organized and committed ...

Foundry Commercial

Full-Time Cook

Vinton, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Education Investment Program Ready to bring your kitchen skills to a team that appreciates them? Apply today! The primary responsibility of the Cook is to prepare food of the highest quality and ...

Ceasars Entertainment

BREW BROTHERS COOK II

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

A Cook 2 is responsible for preparing and cooking all menu items according to outlet standards, cleaning and maintaining all kitchen equipment. HOW YOU WILL CREATE THE EXTRAORDINARY * Responsible for ...

Caesars Entertainment

BREW BROTHERS COOK II

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

A Cook 2 is responsible for preparing and cooking all menu items according to outlet standards, cleaning and maintaining all kitchen equipment. HOW YOU WILL CREATE THE EXTRAORDINARY * Responsible for ...

Bickford Senior Living

Assisted Living Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of benefits ...

Bickford of Cedar Falls

Assisted Living Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of benefits ...

Elior North America

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our Waterloo, IA location for our correctional facility kitchen division. As a cook for Summit ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our Waterloo, IA location for our correctional facility kitchen division. As a cook for Summit ...

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See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen in Waterloo, IA is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen staff member?

Kitchen staff are employees who work in the kitchen of restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their roles can include preparing ingredients, cooking food, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and supporting chefs in various tasks. Kitchen staff may include cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and kitchen assistants. They play a crucial role in ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality.

What is the difference between a kitchen manager and a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen manager ensures that every aspect of the meal service at a restaurant meets the expectations of the customer. In this career, you make sure that you have adequate stock, the kitchen has enough staff to handle all orders, and the food is cooked correctly and served promptly. During busy periods, a manager may check each order to ensure correctness and quality. A kitchen assistant performs a variety of support tasks under the direction of the manager. In this career, you may expedite food service, replenish supplies, perform cooking duties, or serve food to customers. However, you are not held responsible for the ultimate failure or success of a shift.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Staff member, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and smooth kitchen operations in a busy environment.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen staff and how can they be managed effectively?

Kitchen staff often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are critical. Common challenges include managing high order volumes, maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards, and effective communication with team members. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, follow established kitchen protocols, and foster open communication with chefs and other staff. Many kitchens also use checklists and pre-shift meetings to coordinate responsibilities and ensure a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchenLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training optionalHigh school diploma; culinary training or apprenticeship often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSpecific station within a kitchen, working on a particular menu section
Job RoleOversees overall kitchen operations or specific areasPrepares dishes on a specific station during service
Industry UsageBroad term encompassing all kitchen staffSpecific role within the kitchen team, often part of the culinary staff

While "Kitchen" refers broadly to the entire cooking environment and staff, a "Line Cook" is a specialized role focused on preparing dishes at a specific station during service. The line cook is a key part of the kitchen team, working under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job expectations and career paths within culinary environments.

What are all the positions in a kitchen?

A kitchen typically includes various positions such as executive chef, sous chef, line cook, prep cook, pastry chef, dishwasher, and kitchen porter. These roles involve different responsibilities like food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and managing kitchen operations, often requiring specific skills and certifications. The team works together to ensure efficient and safe food service in a restaurant or food establishment.
More about Kitchen jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Kitchen jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Kitchen job openings:

Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,600 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Restaurant Line Cook

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - CyHawk Hospitality Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 89 rated restaurants

Job description

Perkins Restaurant is now hiring Cooks for our Perkins Restaurant in Waterloo.
Hourly rate is $17 - $21 per hour, depending on experience.
Stop in any time to apply at:
4045 Hammond Ave. - Waterloo
Benefits of working for us include:
1. Supportive ownership that believes in family
2. Closed on Christmas Day
3. Yearly anniversary checks for continued employment*
4. Free Employee Meals and family discounts*
5. Competitive wages for your experience
6. Paychecks delivered weekly
7. Flexible hours & schedules
8. Structured training program for all positions
9. Referral bonus for great employees who recruit other great employees
10. Career path that rewards you financially for your advancement within the company*Ask manager for details
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • “Clean as you go” throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

What Perkins Restaurant & Bakery employees say

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