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Line Cook Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Chili's

Line Cook - Full 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 ...

Pizza Ranch Ames

Full-Time Chicken Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Line cooks are vital to the successful operation of our restaurants and meeting the expectations of our customers. The main responsibility of a Pizza Ranch Line Cook is to measure, prepare, and cook ...

Independence Village

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

Independence Village

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

Vriendaschap Village Senior living

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

Chili's

Line Cook - Flexible Hours

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 ...

Chili's

Line Cook - Team Member

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 ...

Vriendaschap Village Senior living

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

Independence Village

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

StoryPoint

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You ...

Chili's

Line Cook - Ankeny Chili's

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 ...

Laurus Home Care

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You ...

Chili's

Line Cook - Now Hiring

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 ...

Independence Village

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will ...

StoryPoint Group

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ames, IA

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Ankeny, IA

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Noodles & Company

Restaurant Team Member - Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12 - $17/hr

We are hiring Team Members to join our back-of-house kitchen crew as cooks and line cooks who prepare fresh ingredients, cook dishes to order, and help keep our kitchens running smoothly and ...

Noodles & Company

Restaurant Team Member - Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12 - $17/hr

We are hiring Team Members to join our back-of-house kitchen crew as cooks and line cooks who prepare fresh ingredients, cook dishes to order, and help keep our kitchens running smoothly and ...

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Line Cook information

See Ames, IA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 - Full Time

Chili's

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 5 days ago

Chili's rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 844 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

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 that is absolutely Chili's. If you take pride in great team work, then we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities
  • Properly learn and execute all of our recipe procedures
  • Maintain cleanliness throughout kitchen
  • Follow company safety and sanitation policies and procedures
  • Communicate ticket times to Team Members
  • Keep food orders flowing continuously from the kitchen
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment

About You
  • Friendly, warm, and caring demeanor with Team Members
  • Thinks and acts quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • Ability to use slicers, mixers, grinders, food processors, etc.
  • Prior experience preferred in a similar food and beverage service and preparation position


About Us

Chili's was born in Dallas, Texas in 1975. Since then, we've boldly claimed our place in the casual dining industry as the place to go for Big Mouth burgers, house smoked ribs, full on fajitas, and hand shaken margaritas! With a legacy deeply rooted in service, hospitality, and giving back, we are committed to delivering the best experience to every Guest, every day.
  • Fast hiring process
  • Flexible part-time or full-time schedule
  • Growth opportunities
  • Great team atmosphere and culture
  • Benefits package with health, dental and life - View our full benefits page at chilisjobs.com/benefits/

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until filled

What Chili's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Chili's logo

About Chili's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Together, We Chili’s That’s right, around here “Chili’s” is a verb. It’s the best way to describe how we do things because our 60,000 amazing ChiliHeads (what we call Team Members) are active, engaged and involved in our restaurants and the communities we serve. We’re on the move and passionate about sharing love, inclusion and enjoyment with every Team Member and Guest who walks through our doors. We’re in the business of making everyone feel special. In everything we do, we have to ask ourselves if we’re putting the Guest first and making sure they’ll come back for more. Our Cultural Beliefs bring that passion to life and shape who we are as a company and as the people who live and breathe inside of it. We’re more than mere transactions – we’re people connecting with people! If our beliefs are strong, our actions will match. And that’s how we create memorable experiences and real results.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1975

Social media

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