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Line Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Zsavooz Grill

Restaurant Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

As a cook in our fast-paced restaurant, you will be essential in preparing and cooking basic meals while maintaining kitchen cleanliness and following recipes precisely. This role is ideal for ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

New

StoryPoint

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

New

Laurus Home Care

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

New

Pump Haus Pub & Grill

Line/prep cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Looking for someone that likes to move fast and cares about doing a great job and feeling great about a job well done! We are adding to our team/family here at Pump Haus and would love for it to be ...

IHOP

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$15 - $20/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 ...

Parkview Manor

Cook

Reinbeck, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

We are currently seeking a Cook to join our dedicated team at Parkview.This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about food and eager to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. If you ...

Buchanan County Health Center

Cook

Independence, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and presentations of foods for patients, employees, visitors and special functions. Assists in the overall sanitation of kitchen equipment. * EDUCATION ...

Buchanan County Health Center

Cook

Independence, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and presentations of foods for patients, employees, visitors and special functions. Assists in the overall sanitation of kitchen equipment. * EDUCATION ...

Western Home Communities

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Western Home Communities is seeking a Cook who enjoys creating quality meals and serving others with care. Whether you're building your culinary skills or bringing experience with you, this is a ...

Western Home Communities

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Western Home Communities is seeking a Cook who enjoys creating quality meals and serving others with care. Whether you're building your culinary skills or bringing experience with you, this is a ...

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Line Cook information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in Waterloo, IA is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.70 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 Waterloo, IA are hiring for Line Cook jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Line Cook job openings:
Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,086 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Restaurant Line Cook

Restaurant Line Cook

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - CyHawk Hospitality Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 rated restaurants

Job description

Perkins Restaurant is now hiring Cooks for our Perkins Restaurant in Waterloo.
Stop in any time to apply at:
4045 Hammond Ave. - Waterloo
Benefits of working for us include:
1. Supportive ownership that believes in family
2. Closed on Christmas Day
3. Yearly anniversary checks for continued employment*
4. Free Employee Meals and family discounts*
5. Competitive wages for your experience
6. Paychecks delivered weekly
7. Flexible hours & schedules
8. Structured training program for all positions
9. Referral bonus for great employees who recruit other great employees
10. Career path that rewards you financially for your advancement within the company*Ask manager for details
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • “Clean as you go” throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

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