ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Line Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Care Initiatives

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Schedule/ Shifts Available: Full-time day shift Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals during their healthcare journey? If so, join Care ...

Care Initiatives

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Schedule/ Shifts Available: Full-time evenings with every other weekend Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals during their healthcare ...

Pacs

Cook Full-Time

Westgate, IA · On-site

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Cook (Full-Time) Westgate Gardens Care Center - Visalia, CA Pay Range: $17.58 - $17.80 per hour (DOE) Westgate Gardens Care Center is seeking a dependable and experienced Cook to join our dietary ...

Pacs

Cook Part-Time

Westgate, IA · On-site

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Cook (Part-Time) Westgate Gardens Care Center - Visalia, CA Pay Range: $17.58 - $17.80 per hour (DOE) Westgate Gardens Care Center is seeking a dependable and experienced Cook to join our dietary ...

Harmony Waterloo

Cook

Waterloo, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

We are currently searching for Cooks to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Waterloo is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Cooks by providing opportunities to ...

Manor Care of Waterloo

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

We are currently searching for Cooks to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Waterloo is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Cooks by providing opportunities to ...

Caesars Entertainment

BREW BROTHERS COOK II

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

A Cook 2 is responsible for preparing and cooking all menu items according to outlet standards, cleaning and maintaining all kitchen equipment. HOW YOU WILL CREATE THE EXTRAORDINARY * Responsible for ...

Ceasars Entertainment

BREW BROTHERS COOK II

Waterloo, IA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

A Cook 2 is responsible for preparing and cooking all menu items according to outlet standards, cleaning and maintaining all kitchen equipment. HOW YOU WILL CREATE THE EXTRAORDINARY * Responsible for ...

Tony's La Pizzeria

Late Night Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13.50 - $17/hr

Late Night Cook at Tony's La Pizzeria! Are you looking for a fun and dynamic working environment where your culinary skills can shine? Do you want to be part of a loving team that values fresh ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $14.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $14.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $14.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Cook

Waterloo, IA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Tony's La Pizzeria

Prep Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $20/hr

Tony's La Pizzeria - Immediate Prep Cook Needed! Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Do you thrive in a team that values fresh, high-quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLine Cook JobsLine Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA

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.
Cook

Cook

Care Initiatives

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Care Initiatives rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Pinnacle Specialty Care, a 100-bed long-term care skilled nursing community located in Cedar Falls, IA, is now hiring!
Cook
Schedule/ Shifts Available: Full-time day shift
Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals during their healthcare journey? If so, join Care Initiatives as a Cook, where you will provide comprehensive care that truly matters. With over forty (40) skilled nursing communities across Iowa, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support at every stage of the healthcare journey.
As a Cook on our team, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills and demonstrate your compassion, positively influencing the lives of our residents. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our residents and their loved ones.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to menu planning and meal preparation, bringing creativity and personal flair while meeting nutritional guidelines and resident preferences.
  • Prepare and serve meals that create an enjoyable, dignified dining experience and support residents' comfort, satisfaction, and quality of life.
  • Ensure meals are nutritious, well-balanced, and attractively presented in accordance with dietary requirements and food safety standards.
  • Develop positive, respectful relationships with residents by engaging with them and incorporating feedback into meal service whenever possible.

What it takes to become a Cook with Care Initiatives:
  • Demonstrated skills in quantity food preparation and service.
  • Willingness to complete training in Food, Safety, Sanitation and Modified Diets.
  • Experience in a healthcare dietary setting a plus!

Why Join Care Initiatives?
  • Competitive Compensation: Earn a highly competitive wage.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Eligible employees enjoy robust benefit options including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more.
  • Referral Bonus Program: Earn cash rewards for referring your friends.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Develop your skills with company paid training and education to take your career to the next level.
  • Digital Wallet Access: Get paid as you earn-no more waiting for payday!

Start Your Journey with Us
Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, dedication, and care truly matter. At Care Initiatives, we're committed to helping you grow your career while improving the lives of those we serve.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, Care Initiatives will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
Care Initiatives is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Care Initiatives complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Care Initiatives employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply