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Panera Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Panera Bread Manager Looking for a better work-life balance? Tired of restaurant management jobs that demand 60+ hours a week and never offer a weekend off? Frustrated with having to beg for a day ...

Shift Lead (Hourly Manager)

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Shift Lead When you join Panera as a Shift Lead, you join in our belief that food should not only taste good, but also be good for you. You will be a part of something special where you will have the ...

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way--you're in the right spot. We ...

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way--you're in the right spot. We ...

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Panera information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do panera jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for panera in Iowa is $23.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Panera?

A Panera job refers to a position at Panera Bread, a popular bakery-café chain known for its fresh ingredients and warm customer service. Jobs at Panera range from café associate and baker to management and corporate roles. Employees often handle food preparation, customer service, and maintaining a clean environment. Panera also offers career growth opportunities and benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

What opportunities for advancement exist for team members at Panera?

Panera is committed to promoting from within and offers a clear path for advancement for team members who demonstrate strong performance and leadership potential. Entry-level associates can work toward roles such as shift supervisor, assistant manager, and general manager through a combination of on-the-job experience and training programs. The company also provides opportunities to cross-train in different areas, allowing employees to develop a well-rounded skill set. Many locations encourage open communication about career goals, so expressing your interest in growth can lead to new opportunities. This supportive environment makes Panera a great place to build a lasting career in the food service industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Panera position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Panera associate or team member, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety guidelines, and basic kitchen equipment is typically required, though on-the-job training is often provided. Effective communication, teamwork, and a friendly attitude help employees create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and collaborate smoothly with colleagues. These qualities ensure consistent service quality and a positive dining experience, which are key to the success of both employees and the business.

What are popular job titles related to Panera jobs in Iowa? For Panera jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Panera jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Panera job openings:
Infographic showing various Panera job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,828 per year, or $24 per hour.

General Manager

Panera

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,452 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 16 rated cafes


Job description

Panera Bread Manager

Looking for a better work-life balance? Tired of restaurant management jobs that demand 60+ hours a week and never offer a weekend off? Frustrated with having to beg for a day off? At Panera Bread, we believe in balancebetween work and life, leadership and support, and growth and stability.

Heres what you can expect as a Panera Bread Manager:

  • Reasonable work weeks (around 47 hours)
  • Two days off in a row every week

Our employees love working at Panera Bread! Customers and co-workers become your Panera family. At Panera, warmth is our businessmake it yours!

What makes a great Panera Manager?

  • Creating a welcoming, clean, and friendly environment
  • Delivering exceptional guest experiences
  • Inspiring and developing a diverse team
  • Driving operational excellence and accountability

The recipe for success includes:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A passion for hospitality and team development
  • Ownership of restaurant performance and standards
  • Commitment to safety and operational policies

We also invest in your future with leadership development plans and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, and more.


What Panera Bread employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Panera Bread logo

About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981