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Lead Line Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Line cooks are essential to delivering a high-quality, consistent guest dining experience. Working with guidance from the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, Line Cooks execute food preparation and ...

As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking delicious meals for our guests. You will work closely with the kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are prepared to our high ...

Line Cook

Bettendorf, IA ยท On-site

$18/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking delicious meals for our guests. You will work closely with the kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are prepared to our high ...

Line Cook

Bettendorf, IA ยท On-site

$18/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking delicious meals for our guests. You will work closely with the kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are prepared to our high ...

Line Cook

Coralville, IA ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Line Cook- One of the most vital positions in a restaurant, a line cook picks up where the prep cook leaves off by executing orders. Line Cooks are assigned to a cooking station (salad, grilling ...

Line Cook

Marion, IA ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Line Cooks are assigned to a cooking station (salad, grilling, frying, etc.) and are responsible for working with their teammates to execute orders in a timely manner. Role characteristics may ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Line Cook- One of the most vital positions in a restaurant, a line cook picks up where the prep cook leaves off by executing orders. Line Cooks are assigned to a cooking station (salad, grilling ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Atlantic, IA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Cinemark Line Cooks are in the heart of the restaurant operation, using recipes to cook quality food in a fast-paced environment. Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going ...

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook We are seeking an experienced Line Cook to join our talented team at our Western Iowa Tech, Sioux City, IA location to help prepare meals according to our standard recipes. In this position ...

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook We are seeking an experienced Line Cook to join our talented team at our Western Iowa Tech, Sioux City, IA location to help prepare meals according to our standard recipes. In this position ...

Line Cook

Coralville, IA

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA

$14.25 - $18/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA

$15 - $18.75/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Line Cook

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Line Cook

Coralville, IA

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Council Bluffs, IA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

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Lead Line Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do lead line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 are lead line cooks?

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 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.

Where do line cooks get paid the most?

Line cooks tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living and a strong hospitality industry, such as major metropolitan areas or affluent regions. Factors like experience, skill level, and the type of establishment also influence pay rates, with upscale restaurants and hotels often offering higher compensation.

How to become a lead cook?

To become a lead line cook, gain several years of experience working in a professional kitchen, develop strong cooking skills, and demonstrate leadership and reliability. Many employers prefer candidates with culinary certifications or formal training, and advancing often involves taking on supervisory responsibilities and improving efficiency and teamwork skills.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, where salaries can exceed $80,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners also tend to offer higher compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced culinary skills.

What are the duties of a lead line cook?

A lead line cook oversees kitchen station operations, ensures food quality and presentation, trains and supervises other cooks, and maintains safety and sanitation standards. They coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure timely service and may assist with menu preparation and inventory management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Line Cook, and why are they important?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Lead Line 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 $37,551 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Line Cook

Proudfoot & Bird

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About this job...
Line cooks are essential to delivering a high-quality, consistent guest dining experience. Working with guidance from the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, Line Cooks execute food preparation and presentation methods to create Instagram-worthy food presentations. The primary role of a Line Cook is to practice all safe food-handling methods, accurately and consistently prepare food, adapt to guest requests for modifications, and work quickly and efficiently to meet service time expectations.
What you'll be doing...
  • Prepare food of consistently high quality by following recipes and special instructions while upholding portion and production standards.
  • Follow all food safety standards by date marking, proper product rotation, and proper temperature and time holding.
  • Initiate preparation of food items based on anticipated needs.
  • Properly store all food products during and after use.
  • Assist in food control standards to reduce waste.
  • Operate food preparation equipment such as fryers, broilers, stoves, steamers, food processors, mixers, slicers, ovens, steam tables, tilt kettles, waffle irons, flat-top grills, etc.
  • Clean and maintain all equipment and general working environment.
  • Contribute as a team member by reporting to work as scheduled, learning and refining processes and procedures, and supporting others as they learn.
  • Always maintain professionalism consistent with hotel brand and company expectations.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Requirements...
Experience & Education:
  • 1+ years of culinary experience
  • High School diploma or equivalency education certificate required
Communication:
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write in primary language used in the workplace
Physical:
  • 8+ hours per day; stand and walk frequently throughout the workday
  • Reach, bend, stoop, and pivot frequently through workday
  • Lift, lower, push, pull, and maneuver up to 50 pounds occasionally