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Lead Line Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/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

Line Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/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

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18/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

Waterloo, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/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

Line Cook

Council Bluffs, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/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

Waterloo, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/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

Line Cook

Sioux City, IA · 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

Dubuque, 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

Cedar Rapids, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/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

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$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

Ames, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/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

Waukee, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/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

Ankeny, IA

$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

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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

Line Cook

Ames, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/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

Dubuque, IA

$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

Line Cook

Waukee, IA

$15 - $19/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

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/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

Waukee, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Olive Garden rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,019 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

 For this position, pay will be variable by location - See additional job details and benefits below.


Our Winning Family Starts With You! Check out these great benefits!

  • Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc.)
  • Free Employee Meal! (limited menu)
  • Weekly pay
  • Anniversary pay
  • Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire)
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service)
  • Medical/dental insurance
  • Ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles
  • Discounts on cellphones, travel, electronics & much more!
  • 401(k) savings plan (Company match after 1 year of service)
  • Management career advancement opportunities (50%+ of our managers are promoted from hourly positions!)
  • State Benefits Overview


And much more! Because at Olive Garden, We’re All Family Here!


One key to our success is the high standards we set for ourselves and each other. That includes placing the health and safety of our team members and guests as a top priority. We are committed to the highest safety and sanitation practices, including ensuring team member wellness and maintaining clean restaurants.


In Italy and at Olive Garden, it is all about the food. 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 safety and sanitation standards.


We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family!


#MyOliveGardenFam


What Olive Garden employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Olive Garden logo

About Olive Garden

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Olive Garden, we know that life is better together and everyone is happiest when they’re with family. From never ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden salad, to our homemade soups and sauces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Olive Garden, we make everyone feel like family and the communities we serve are an extension of that family. That’s why we are committed to supporting these communities in the fight against hunger. Every one of our 900+ restaurants participates in our Harvest program, donating high-quality, wholesome food to local nonprofit partners. We’re also long-term partners with Feeding America®, and since 2017, the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of our parent company, has donated more than $16.3 million on behalf of our family of restaurants to support Feeding America member food banks across all 50 states. As part of these ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Olive Garden has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in communities where food insecurity rates are disproportionately high. Through grants from the Darden Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, 35 Feeding America food banks in 35 different parts of the country received a 26-foot refrigerated box truck to help increase address transportation needs and give access to nutritious food for those who need it most.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US