Cook
Ankeny, IA · On-site
$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 ...
Cook
Ankeny, IA · On-site
$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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$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 ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$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 ...
PT Chef Assistant/Line cook
Ames, IA · On-site
$17.50/hr
Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...
PT Chef Assistant/Line cook
Ames, IA · On-site
$17.50/hr
Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...
Cook - Night Shift
Ames, IA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.25/hr
Stocks and rotates products on cooking line. * Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance ...
Quick apply
Cook - Night Shift
Ames, IA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.25/hr
Stocks and rotates products on cooking line. * Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance ...
Cook - Night Shift
Ames, IA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.25/hr
Stocks and rotates products on cooking line. * Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance ...
Cook - Night Shift
Ames, IA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.25/hr
Stocks and rotates products on cooking line. * Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance ...
Cook
Ankeny, IA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...
Quick apply
Cook
Ankeny, IA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...
Line Cook information
See Ames, IA salary details
$9.64 - $10.73
1% of jobs
$10.73 - $11.82
2% of jobs
$11.82 - $12.91
5% of jobs
$12.91 - $14
8% of jobs
$14.61 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14 - $15.09
15% of jobs
$15.09 - $16.18
14% of jobs
The median wage is $16.45 / hr.
$16.18 - $17.27
19% of jobs
$18.07 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.27 - $18.36
15% of jobs
$18.36 - $19.45
12% of jobs
$19.45 - $20.54
5% of jobs
$20.54 - $21.63
4% of jobs
$9
$16
$21
How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 11, 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 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, applicants should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment. Preparing a professional 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.
What is the difference between Line Cook vs Prep Cook?
| Aspect | Line Cook | Prep Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Prepares menu items during service, follows recipes, manages station | Prepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps food for cooking |
| Work Environment | Kitchen during service hours, fast-paced | Kitchen during prep hours, less hectic |
| Credentials | Food handler’s permit often required, culinary training optional | Food handler’s permit, basic culinary skills |
| Industry Usage | Commonly employed in restaurants, hotels, catering | Found 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 or salary that varies by location, experience, and establishment. The average pay ranges from minimum wage to higher rates for experienced cooks, with many earning tips in addition to their base pay. Their income can also be affected by overtime, shift differentials, and the size of the restaurant.
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 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.
Are line cooks in high demand?
Line cooks are generally in high demand due to the ongoing need for food service in restaurants, hotels, and catering establishments. Employment opportunities can vary by region and economic conditions, but skilled line cooks with experience and knowledge of kitchen operations are often sought after. Certifications such as food safety training can enhance job prospects.
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.
More about Line Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Line Cook jobs in Ames, IA? For Line Cook jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Line Cook jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Line Cook job openings:
Job description
Wingstop's mission is to serve the world flavor. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop. We are looking for team members who want to deliver a flavor experience.
A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company standards in all areas of operation, including product preparation maintaining the highest quality products and services are delivered to each customer; follows and comprehends the importance of proper personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. The restaurant cook must be able to successfully focus on their job in a calm, yet efficient manner.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop
experience
Ability to practice safe cooking procedures
Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets
Accurately count the number of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless
Strips needed for each order
Coordinate the cooking time of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless
Strips and fries with the corresponding timer
According to Wingstop standards; Sauce, Season and package all orders
Accurately count the cooked Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless
Strips into the proper sauce bowls
Cook and prepare Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips, and
Fries in the proper fryers and baskets
Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and
with proper safety equipment
Assist in keeping the kitchen clean throughout the shift maintaining clean as you
go and at closing time
Immediately notify Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues
Assist other employees as needed
Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor
Know and thoroughly understand the importance of good hygiene and food
handling practices
Ability to thoroughly understand and follow instructions in how to properly and
safely use chemical cleaning products
Key Skills/Abilities:
Guest service mentality; has a genuine desire to serve the customer
Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations
Manages multiple projects and timelines with a sense of urgency and follow
through
Well organized and detail oriented
Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self improvement
Has an outgoing personality
Strong work ethic
Additional Information:
Cook and restaurant experience is a plus!
Food Handler Certification required
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free meals
- Flexible schedule
Experience:
Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred)
Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)
Line cook: 1 year (Preferred)
Disclaimer:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.
About Flavor Nation Restaurant
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights. Today there are more than 2,000 restaurants open across the globe. Wingstop quickly became a fan favorite when we first opened our doors in 1994. Our proprietary recipes, outstanding food and superior customer service created a demand that could only be satisfied by more locations. And in 1997 we began offering franchises. Today we are one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country, attracting top entrepreneurs and operators with the drive and passion to own their own business. We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavor business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavor since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started.
Industry
Food services and drinking places
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
San Mateo, CA, US