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Pastry Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening ...

We Want YOU! We are looking for a positive and energetic assistant store manager to create an ... pastries). * Clean, sanitize and maintain store. * Ensure proper food handling procedures are ...

Barista

Waukee, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

... pastries). * Clean, sanitize and maintain store. * Ensure proper food handling procedures are ... Efficiently serve customers by being knowledgeable of offerings. * Assist with various ...

Barista

Waukee, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

... pastries). * Clean, sanitize and maintain store. * Ensure proper food handling procedures are ... Efficiently serve customers by being knowledgeable of offerings. * Assist with various ...

Barista & Cafe Attendant

Marquette, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

Prepare sandwiches, pastries, and other café food items while following food safety and sanitation ... Maintain knowledge of menu offerings, promotions, and seasonal products to effectively assist ...

Barista

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... pastries). * Clean, sanitize and maintain store. * Ensure proper food handling procedures are ... Research and resolve quality and service complaints and/or issues. * Assist with receiving ...

Barista

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... pastries). * Clean, sanitize and maintain store. * Ensure proper food handling procedures are ... Research and resolve quality and service complaints and/or issues. * Assist with receiving ...

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Pastry Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do pastry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry assistant in Iowa is $16.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastry assistant?

A Pastry Assistant helps pastry chefs with baking, decorating, and preparing ingredients for pastries, desserts, and other baked goods. They follow recipes, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are stocked. Their role is essential in maintaining efficiency in a bakery or pastry kitchen. Pastry Assistants may also assist in plating desserts and learning advanced pastry techniques from senior chefs.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a pastry assistant?

As a Pastry Assistant, your everyday tasks often include preparing ingredients, assisting with mixing and baking, assembling desserts, and ensuring cleanliness in the kitchen area. You may set up workstations, help decorate pastries, monitor baking times, and package finished goods according to the chef's instructions. In many kitchens, Pastry Assistants also help with inventory management by tracking supplies and alerting the team when ingredients run low. Working closely with pastry chefs and other kitchen staff, you'll play a key role in maintaining efficiency and delivering delicious, visually appealing pastries to customers.

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

To thrive as a Pastry Assistant, you need a solid understanding of baking techniques, attention to detail, and basic food safety knowledge, often acquired through culinary school or on-the-job training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper handling of ingredients, and following standardized recipes is typical, while a food handler's certification is sometimes required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and time management skills help you collaborate efficiently in a busy kitchen environment. These abilities are critical for consistently producing high-quality pastries, ensuring food safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the pastry team.

What skills do you need to be a pastry assistant?

A pastry assistant needs strong baking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow recipes precisely. Good time management, teamwork, and familiarity with kitchen safety and sanitation are also important for success in this role.

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

The most popular types of Pastry jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Pastry Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Pastry Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pastry Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Pastry Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Pastry Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Pastry Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pastry Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,997 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

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 & baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food & 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.