ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Line Cook Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA

$15 - $18.75/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

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/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 ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Ankeny, 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 ...

Olive Garden

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

Olive Garden

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

Olive Garden

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

Olive Garden

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

Olive Garden

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 ...

Olive Garden

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

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · 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

Hilton

Line Cook - PT - Hilton Garden Inn

Johnston, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Des Moines/Urbandale Hilton Garden Inn is looking for an experienced line cook to work independently for breakfast or dinner services. At least 1 year experience as a line cook or prep cook in a ...

30hop

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Whether you have years of line experience or are looking to continue developing your culinary ... Compensation for fully trained Cooks starts at $15-$22 per hour based on experience Schedule ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Ames, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

Applebee's

Line Cook

Ames, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

Applebee's

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by cooking up great tasting and great looking food. You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLine Cook JobsLine Cook Jobs in Ames, IA

Line Cook information

See Ames, IA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in Ames, IA is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by line cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Line cooks often face fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are essential. Managing multiple orders simultaneously and maintaining consistency in food quality can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Building strong communication with the kitchen team and staying organized at your station can help you overcome these challenges. Additionally, developing efficient prep habits and staying calm under pressure will contribute to your success as a line cook.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, candidates should have previous kitchen experience, basic cooking skills, and knowledge of food safety standards. Preparing a professional resume highlighting relevant skills and certifications, such as ServSafe, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic are also important steps.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a line cook, earning $4,000 a week typically requires working in high-volume or upscale establishments, often with overtime, tips, or bonuses. Such earnings are uncommon for entry-level positions and usually involve extensive experience, specialized skills, or management responsibilities in the food service industry.

What is the difference between Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectLine CookPrep Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares menu items during service, follows recipes, manages stationPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps food for cooking
Work EnvironmentKitchen during service hours, fast-pacedKitchen during prep hours, less hectic
CredentialsFood handler’s permit often required, culinary training optionalFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skills
Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in similar settings, supports line cooks

While both roles work in kitchens and require food safety knowledge, a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service, whereas a Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients beforehand. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do line cooks make money?

Line cooks earn an hourly wage that typically ranges from minimum wage to higher rates depending on experience, location, and establishment. Many also receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings. Salaries can vary widely but generally reflect the skill level and hours worked.

What are line cooks?

Line cooks are culinary professionals who work in restaurant kitchens, responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards set by the chef. They typically work at specific stations along the kitchen 'line,' such as grill, sauté, or fry, ensuring each dish is cooked correctly and presented well. Line cooks must manage their time efficiently, maintain food safety standards, and communicate effectively with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth operation during busy service periods.

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

To thrive as a Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety, typically gained through experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and health code certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential soft skills in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food, and a safe dining experience for customers.

What is the job of a line cook?

A line cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food on the restaurant's line, following recipes and quality standards. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using kitchen tools and equipment, and must adhere to food safety regulations. Strong knife skills and the ability to work under pressure are important for this role.

What Are Line Cooks?

A line cook is a restaurant staff member who works in the kitchen, usually working a particular station on the line during service. As a line cook, your responsibilities and duties may include setting your station mise en place, firing food to order, and plating food. Line cooks work at a station, for example, the grill or fryer, but they are cross-trained to work any position in the kitchen. Your job is to work as a team with the entire kitchen staff to prepare meals that are consistently high in quality and delivered rapidly to the front of the house.

More about Line Cook jobs
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Line Cook jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Line Cook job openings:
Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in Ames, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, and 80% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,806 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Line Cook

Outback Steakhouse

Ankeny, IA

$15 - $18.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Text "HIREME" to 30437 to apply now!

By texting HIREME to 30437 you will opt-in to receive hiring messages and account related messages from Outback Steakhouse. Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to cancel. For terms, visit paradox.ai/legal/terms-of-use. Privacy policy can be found at paradox.ai/privacy-policy.


At Outback Steakhouse, we believe that people want to be part of something they can be proud of, is fun, and values you. Our goal for you as an Outbacker, which is what we affectionately call our team members, is to allow your BOLD personality to shine, make it a great place to work, while exceeding concentrated customer service and serious food standards, bringing our Guests an AUSS-SOME experience.  

Come join the Outback Family as a Line Cook, where you will passionately prepare, portion, and cook food items to our quality specifications. 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 responsibilities also include: 

  • Following established food safety guidelines, recipes, standards, and procedures 
  • Maintaining a clean and food-safe environment 
  • Passionately preparing, portioning, and/or cooking food items according to quality specifications 
  • Assessing ingredients and items for freshness and quality, rotating product appropriately 
  • Being a team player 

Bloomin Brands offers benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401k. Further details around eligibility and additional benefit offerings can be found at https://bloominbrandsbenefits.com/   


Compensation Range: Varies by Location -


We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing all individuals employment consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.   

Apply