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Lead Line Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

Hotel Millwright

Lead Line Cook

Amana, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Open Date 6/18/2025 Division Hotel Millwright Category Restaurant Department Position Lead Line Cook Description Summary: Prepares food that results in high quality of taste and appearance to satisfy ...

LEISURE HOTELS LLC

Lead Line Cook

Amana, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Summary: Prepares food that results in high quality of taste and appearance to satisfy guests and maximize food revenues. Duties/Tasks: Prepares meals in accordance with the portion and quality ...

LEISURE HOTELS LLC

Lead Line Cook

Amana, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Summary:Prepares food that results in high quality of taste and appearance to satisfy guests and maximize food revenues.Duties/Tasks:Prepares meals in accordance with the portion and quality ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Line Cook Job Responsibilities:Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies.Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces.Cooks food items by grilling, frying ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook Job Responsibilities : Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. Cooks food items by grilling ...

HOTEL JULIEN

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Line Cook Job Responsibilities : Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. Cooks food items by grilling ...

Bowldogs

Line Cook

North Liberty, IA

$15 - $18/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook at Bowldogs! Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes and working in a fast-paced, fun environment? Bowldogs is seeking talented Line Cooks to join our team at ...

Grand Living at Tower Place

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

About the Position As a Line Cook , you will be responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through exceptional food production and control of the quality and quantity of all food items ...

I Love Fufu

Line Cook

Iowa City, IA

$13 - $16/hr

Join Our Team as a Line Cook at I Love Fufu! Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment? I Love Fufu, a vibrant and welcoming restaurant in ...

Grand Living

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

About the Position As a Line Cook , you will be responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through exceptional food production and control of the quality and quantity of all food items ...

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Line Cook

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and sous chef with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Clive, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

Red Robin

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.32 - $19.68/hr

Line Cook $16.32-19.68/hr Line Cook Line Cook Range: $16.32 - $19.68 Red Robin isn't your typical burger restaurant. We're a team filled with unbridled energy, magnetic personalities, and a passion ...

Grand Harbor Resort

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Line Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking menu items according to recipes and quality standards, maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, and ensuring food is ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Line Cook ...

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All JobsLead Line Cook JobsLead Line Cook Jobs in Iowa

Lead Line Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do lead line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead line cook in Iowa is $18.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead line cook?

Lead line cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing a particular section or station in the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared correctly and on time. They supervise other line cooks, help with kitchen organization, and maintain high standards for food quality and safety. Lead line cooks often collaborate with the head chef and sous chef, assist with menu planning, and may train new kitchen staff. Their leadership is crucial to a kitchen's smooth and efficient operation.

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

To thrive as a Lead Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in high-volume kitchens, usually supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food quality and safety, and foster a positive work environment.

What are some common challenges lead line cooks face when managing a busy kitchen shift?

Lead Line Cooks often juggle multiple tasks during peak hours, from overseeing food preparation and plating to coordinating with kitchen staff and communicating with front-of-house teams. Common challenges include maintaining consistency and quality under pressure, managing inventory shortages, and quickly resolving unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or staff absences. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are essential to ensure smooth operations and uphold high culinary standards during busy shifts.

What is the difference between Lead Line Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead Line CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesOversees station, mentors staff, ensures qualityPrepares dishes, follows recipes, maintains station
CredentialsExperience, culinary skills, leadershipBasic culinary training, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, supervisory roleKitchen station, food prep

The Lead Line Cook typically has more experience and takes on supervisory duties, overseeing other cooks and ensuring quality standards. The Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes and maintaining station efficiency. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Line Cook also demonstrates leadership and organizational abilities.

Do lead line cooks make a lot of money?

Lead line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage to higher rates depending on experience, location, and establishment type. In some cases, they can earn additional income through tips, especially in busy restaurants. Overall, their salary is generally moderate compared to executive chef roles but can increase with skill and responsibility.

What does a lead line cook do?

A lead line cook oversees the daily operations of the kitchen line, prepares and plates dishes according to restaurant standards, and supervises other line cooks. They ensure food quality, maintain safety and sanitation standards, and often assist with training and coordinating kitchen staff during service. Strong culinary skills, knowledge of kitchen equipment, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Line Cook jobs in IA?

For Lead Line Cook jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Line Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,551 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Lead Line Cook

American Cruise Lines

Fort Madison, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Lead Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America’s rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Lead Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of “all” food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests, dietary needs and allergies throughout each meal period. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties.
While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our Galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Commitment to controlling inventory and minimalizing food waste by utilizing standardized recipes.
  • Ensures “all” special requests and allergies are acknowledged, prepared and served accordingly.
  • Adheres to the strict food safety and sanitation policies within the galley.
  • Provides gracious hospitality to the guests and crew alike while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient.
  • Adheres to all American Cruise Lines’ Chefs Manual standards and procedures.
  • Anticipates the needs of both guests and crew.
  • Assists in the production and service of all Crew meals.
  • Responsible for food safety, galley cleanliness, daily galley audits and logs which includes the completion of daily temperature log, refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, and cooling logs.
  • Responds quickly to guest requests and ensure follow through of service delivery.
  • Assists with breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner preparation, as well as any special onboard events.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure that the guests and crew receive the highest quality of food with proper presentation and timeliness are adhered to.
  • Assist the Sous Chef wit ensuring Galley Steward timecards are submitted and correct.
  • Follow approved menus, standardized recipes, and food sanitation standards.
  • Work with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure food and hotel supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner.
  • Assist in orchestration of proper storage of deliveries in appropriate areas of the galley.
  • Comply FDA logs are completed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the Sous Chef.
  • Create positive crew experiences and a healthy work environment.
  • Maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards of the galley, storage rooms and galley crew rooms.
  • Responsible for supervising and assisting the Galley Stewards with the Sous Chef to make sure various tasks throughout the day are being taken care of by the Galley Stewards. Such as removing trash, clutter and empty boxes from the galley; ware washing; organizing and cleaning; sweeping and mopping the deck floor; and cleaning and storing cleaned equipment and tableware.
  • Communication with all coworkers is imperative to all meal services.
Qualifications:
  • Preferred Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel amp; Restaurant Management.
  • Minimum 4 years’ experience at a full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship.
  • Must have “Line” experience with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffets.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).
  • Available to travel and work a flexible schedule including long days for extended periods of time.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to manage a team of three galley stewards during daily ware washing operations as well as effectively lead, direct, teach and guide and ensure the team is working efficiently throughout the day.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 weeks off.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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