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Live In Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Fleming's

Sous Chef

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

... we Live, Breathe and Dream Steak & Wine! The soul of our brand is rooted in our Principles ... As a successful Sous Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest visit ...

Koch Fertilizer

Electrical Engineer

Wever, IA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... across Koch Fertilizer and Koch Ag & Energy Solutions. What You Will Do * Provide electrical ... Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering; or equivalent years of experience in electrical ...

Wow Bao

Culinary R&D and Production Chef

Forest City, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Join Wow Bao in this newly created role as the Culinary R&D/Production Chef in our brand-new food ... We live by the golden rule and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and a healthy dose ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

... live table game action, first-class amenities, and heart-pounding entertainment. The property ... Putting the 'Rock' in 'Hard Rock', guests are invited to experience the legends of music by ...

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA

$49K - $66K/yr

... live table game action, first-class amenities, and heart-pounding entertainment. The property ... Putting the 'Rock' in 'Hard Rock', guests are invited to experience the legends of music by ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

... live table game action, first-class amenities, and heart-pounding entertainment. The property ... Putting the 'Rock' in 'Hard Rock', guests are invited to experience the legends of music by ...

Koch Industries

Production Operator

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$27.57/hr

Production Operator work in a fast-paced industrial environment that is transforming with ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

Koch Industries

Electrical (IEC) Field Engineer

Algona, IA · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

... in another form. #LI-MR1 At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge ... Our Benefits Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

... Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

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All JobsLive In Chef JobsLive In Chef Jobs in Iowa

Live In Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in chef in Iowa is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in chef?

Live-in chefs are professional cooks who reside at their employer's residence to prepare meals on a full-time basis. They are responsible for planning menus, shopping for ingredients, and cooking daily meals tailored to the household's preferences and dietary requirements. In addition to meal preparation, live-in chefs may also handle kitchen organization, staff management, and special event catering. This arrangement offers families the convenience of personalized, high-quality meals without needing to dine out or cook themselves. Live-in chefs often work for private households, estates, or high-profile individuals.

What are some unique challenges a live in chef may face compared to traditional restaurant chefs?

A Live In Chef often navigates the balance between privacy and professionalism, as they work within a client's home and may have to adjust to the household's routines and preferences. Unlike restaurant chefs, they typically manage all aspects of the kitchen, including meal planning, grocery shopping, and maintaining the kitchen's cleanliness. Flexibility is crucial, as schedules can change and dietary needs may shift quickly. Building strong communication and trust with the household is essential for success and long-term satisfaction in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a background in food safety, often supported by culinary school training or chef certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and inventory systems is typically required. Excellent organizational abilities, discretion, and the capacity to adapt to clients' preferences are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality meals, maintaining a harmonious household, and meeting the specific needs of clients in a private setting.

What is the difference between Live In Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectLive In ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredCulinary training, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentResides on client’s property, works full-timePrepares meals at client’s home, flexible hours
Employer & IndustryLuxury households, private estatesIndividuals, families, small groups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for full-time, on-site culinary staffSeeking personalized, on-demand meal services

Live In Chefs typically reside on the client’s property, working full-time and providing daily meal preparation. Personal Chefs usually work on a part-time basis, preparing meals in the client’s home without residing there. Both roles require culinary skills, but Live In Chefs often need additional certifications and experience for full-time residence and duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Live In Chef jobs in Iowa?

For Live In Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live In Chef jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Chef jobs in Iowa are:

Live In Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Pastry Chef

American Cruise Lines

Fort Madison, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Pastry Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day.
  • Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards.
  • Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA Standards.
  • Taste all products produced to assess quality.
  • Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
  • Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared.
  • Schedule the production of all baked goods.
  • Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods.
  • Use food production equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
  • Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience.
Qualifications:
  • An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry amp; baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food amp; beverage knowledge.
  • Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation.
  • Commitment to quality service.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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