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Prep Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Applebee's

Line Cook

Waverly, IA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Waverly, IA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Applebee's

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Carlos O'Kelly's

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Line Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll be responsible for your assigned prep work and cook's station, while you maintain our high standards for product presentation, product quality and cook times. You'll learn to prepare all menu ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Falls, IA

$14/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Prep Cook information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Waterloo, IA is $15.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

How to get a job as a prep cook?

To get a job as a prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience in a kitchen environment. Many employers look for previous kitchen work, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Applying to entry-level restaurant or catering positions and demonstrating reliability can improve your chances of securing a prep cook role.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.
More about Prep Cook jobs
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What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,173 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Title Line Cook | Part-Time | Waterloo Convention Center

Iowa Events Center

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Line Cook | Part-Time | Waterloo Convention Center
Location US-IA-Waterloo
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 3 weeks ago(7/21/2026 9:58 AM)
Job ID 2026-33363
Location Name Waterloo Convention Center
Category Culinary / Kitchen Management
Type Regular Part-Time
Location : Location US-IA-Waterloo
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 50701
Location : Address 200 W. 4th St.
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 10/23/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary

The Line Cook is responsible for preparing foods to be served to guests throughout the venue. The Line Cook will often have direct contact with the public working in areas such as a buffet line slicing meats or preparing dishes to order. The Line Cook must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

This role pays an hourly rate of $16.00-$20.00

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching.

This position will remain open until October 23, 2026.

About the Venue

At Waterloo Convention Center, we are building a championship organization that serves our fans, community, and business partners through world-class sports and entertainment. We believe our employees are our greatest assets. We will create a culture that empowers and inspires them to go above and beyond for our clients, patrons, and community.  

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for providing high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner for delivery to guests.
  • Prepares hot and cold foods following company recipes and portioning requirements.
  • Participates as a team player with specific responsibilities as related to preparation, excellent service, and delivery of product.
  • Responsible for reporting any maintenance required for kitchen equipment.
  • Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
  • Responsible for observing and testing foods to ensure proper cooking.
  • Responsible for portioning, arranging, and garnishing food plates for delivery to guests.
  • Responsible for consulting with Executive Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Supervisor to plan menus and estimate expected food consumption.
  • Show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Qualifications
  • Previous cook or prep cook experience highly preferred.
  • Able to operate standard kitchen equipment, including the broiler, steamer, convection oven, mixer, meat slicer, and chef knife.
  • Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Possess a valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations.
  • ServSafe preferred.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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