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Line Cook Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Grand Living

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Position As a Line Cook , you will be responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through exceptional food production and control of the quality and quantity of all food items ...

Grand Living at Tower Place

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

About the Position As a Line Cook , you will be responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through exceptional food production and control of the quality and quantity of all food items ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Clive, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

$15 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Clive, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Proudfoot & Bird

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Line cooks are essential to delivering a high-quality, consistent guest dining experience. Working with guidance from the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, Line Cooks execute food preparation and ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

P.F. Chang's

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

$15 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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 · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

Waukee, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

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Line Cook information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in Des Moines, IA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.51 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 are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Line Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Line Cook jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Line Cook job openings:

Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,726 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Line Cook

Grand Living

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Grand Living rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Grand Living
Grand Living is changing the way generations embrace life and is quickly becoming an iconic brand in senior hospitality. What began as a vision to create distinctive senior living communities has evolved into a collection of remarkable residences, offering luxury-inspired amenities and extraordinary service to residents and guests. Our communities include gracious apartments, stunning décor and design excellence at every turn, but from the moment you are greeted, you'll experience something far more luxurious than the architecture: our people. Their unparalleled commitment to personal service in every engagement is at the very heart of what we do.
About the Position
As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through exceptional food production and control of the quality and quantity of all food items prepared in the station: i.e. meats, vegetables, potatoes, bread products, desserts, etc. The Line Cook is to model The Sterling Touch® professional, friendly, courteous, helpful, and timely manner, resulting in a very high level of satisfaction for Residents and their guests. The Line Cook position is under the general guidance of the Executive Chef in accordance with Community standards, processes, procedures, practices, and philosophy.
Qualifications and Requirements
The Line Cook must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • High School Diploma or GED, required.
  • Culinary Arts or Culinary Apprenticeship, preferred.
  • One or more years of experience cooking in a fast paced, cook to order kitchen, preferred.
  • One or more years of experience with scratch cooking, preferred.
  • Sauté and/or broiler experience, preferred.
  • Ability to read, write and understand the English language in order to direct, manage, hire and train kitchen staff, complete requisitions, read recipes and communicate with other employees as well as Residents and their guests.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity of hands and arms in order to use all kitchen equipment and utensils (e.g. knives, spoons spatulas, tongs, slicers, etc.)
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, crouch, bend, stoop, reach, grasp, push, pull and work continuously without sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift or carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform all essential functions within varying temperature ranges.

Benefits
For a Line Cook, we offer competitive compensation and a full benefits package for full-time employees including 1) a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program offering 120 hours of PTO in the first year, increasing to 160 hours in the second year, and continuing to build with length of service; 2) affordable insurance options for medical, dental, vision and more; 3) a 401(k) with a 4% company match on a 5% contribution, 4) automatic life insurance and AD&D coverage for all team members with a robust employee assistance program (EAP).
PTO is earned at lesser rates for part-time staff. Grand Living is a high-end upscale environment including exquisite cuisine and free employee meals (must meet eligibility requirements), Grand Spa & Fitness facilities available for use at designated times.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Grand Living, our motto is "Your Life. Uniquely Embraced." We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, where our differences aren't just accepted, but celebrated.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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