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Line Cook Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

As a Line Cook for Texas Roadhouse, you'll make made-from-scratch Legendary Food for our guests to enjoy. If you are a team player with a positive attitude and the willingness to learn.What's in it ...

Courtyard by Marriott

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is cooked. * Ensures that items are prepared according to recipes in a timely, efficient manner ...

Kinseth Hospitality

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Cooks and tests foods being prepared by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is cooked. * Ensures that items are prepared according to recipes in a timely, efficient manner ...

Whiskey River

Line Cook at Whiskey River

Ames, IA

$15/hr

Whiskey River in Ames, IA is looking for one line cook to join our team. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, ambitious, and hard-working. Responsibilities * Set up and stock stations with all ...

Whiskey River

Line Cook at Whiskey River

Ames, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Whiskey River in Ames, IA is looking for one line cook to join our team. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, ambitious, and hard-working. Responsibilities * Set up and stock stations with all ...

Chili's Grill & Bar

Line Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Role Overview Our Kitchen, or as we like to say at Chili's our Heart of House, Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full Time Evening Pizza Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Line Cook: $14.00-$17.00 per hour, dependent on Availability and Experience Who We Are Pizza Ranch ® Inc., started as a single location in Hull, Iowa in 1981. Pizza Ranch is in the category of a ...

Chili's

Line Cook - Part Time

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Role Overview Our Kitchen, or as we like to say at Chili's our Heart of House, Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 is a line cook?

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 is a line cook?

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.

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 are 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.

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 typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location, experience, and establishment, with many earning between minimum wage and $15-$20 per hour. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings, especially in busy restaurants. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in high-end or high-volume kitchens.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, candidates should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment. Preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as food safety training, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important steps.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,806 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Line Cook

Texas Roadhouse

Ames, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 26 days ago

Texas Roadhouse rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

At Texas Roadhouse, we are a people-first company that just happens to serve steaks. Legendary Food and Legendary Service is who we are. We're about loving what you're doing today and preparing you for what you'll be doing tomorrow.

Are you ready to be a Roadie?As a Line Cook for Texas Roadhouse, you'll make made-from-scratch Legendary Food for our guests to enjoy. If you are a team player with a positive attitude and the willingness to learn.What's in it for you. Glad you asked.Pay - Let's be honest, we know you're curious about pay

We offer weekly pay and competitive wages.Flexibility - We know you have other commitments outside of work, and we respect that. Our schedules offer hours that work for you.People - You'll be part of a team you can rely on. The folks that work in our kitchens know how to partner up and hustle

Our restaurants are busy, and our hard-working Roadies work together to push out the Legendary Food our guests have come to expect from Texas Roadhouse.New Skills - We'll teach you our recipe for success. You'll learn our signature, made-from-scratch recipes, plate presentations, how to run a busy station, and our high standards for cleanliness and sanitation.Opportunities - We cross-train and often promote from within. Our Legendary training and development programs will give you the opportunity to advance and grow.Wherever you are in life, we have a health and wellness package to meet your needs

Check out our benefits page at https://careers.becomearoadie.com/us/en for more details.We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, or any other legally protected status. We encourage and welcome all applicants to apply.Employment Type: PART_TIME

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