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Live In Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Davenport, IA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Line Cook

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Assists in developing menus and special meals, following a daily prep list. * Helps the Dining ... Chef with inventory and ordering. * Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment, including ...

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the ... You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.

Collaborate with Chefs and Food & Beverage Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a ... to live purposefully and enjoy a true sense of family and home. Why Choose WesleyLife? At ...

Cook

Pella, IA

$15.26 - $19.23/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Food & Beverage Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a ... to live purposefully and enjoy a true sense of family and home. Why Choose WesleyLife? At ...

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Live In Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 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 are live-in chefs?

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 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:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Live In Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Live In Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Live In Chef job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Line Cook

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Job description

Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America’s rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests is flawless. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.
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:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for our guests based off of the fresh ingredients.
  • Organize your workload in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high-quality dishes that follow up the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all the guests’ dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Ensure that hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.
  • Communication with coworkers is imperative to all meal services.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
  • Must have experience cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Possess problem solving skills, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to 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 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 multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • 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.