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Professional Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Carter Lake, IA ยท On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

SUMMARY The Sous Chef leads the culinary line in preparing meals to meet the requests of our guests ... Maintains a high level of confidentiality and professionalism. * Responds to common inquiries or ...

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Reports to: General Manager, position is exempt WHO WE ARE Surety Hotel is managed ... a hospitality operation professional is responsible for. Your balance of creative and ...

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience ... innovative professionals seeking a rewarding career with flexible scheduling, competitive ...

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience ... innovative professionals seeking a rewarding career with flexible scheduling, competitive ...

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience ... innovative professionals seeking a rewarding career with flexible scheduling, competitive ...

Chef As our Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience ... innovative professionals seeking a rewarding career with flexible scheduling, competitive ...

Chef - Sous

Marquette, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

SOUS CHEF - HOURLY The Role: Supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and other culinary ... Must have a professional demeanor and presence with the ability to interact with individuals at all ...

Chef - Sous

Marquette, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

SOUS CHEF - HOURLY The Role: Supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and other culinary ... Must have a professional demeanor and presence with the ability to interact with individuals at all ...

Sushi Chef

Waverly, IA ยท On-site

Sushi Chef Department: Asian FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function : As a Sushi Chef, this position ... Professionalism Reporting Relations: Accountable and Reports to: District Store Director; Store ...

Chef - Sous

Marquette, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

SOUS CHEF - HOURLY The Role: Supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and other culinary ... Must have a professional demeanor and presence with the ability to interact with individuals at all ...

Sushi Chef

Waverly, IA ยท On-site

Sushi Chef Department: Asian FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function : As a Sushi Chef, this position ... Professionalism Reporting Relations: Accountable and Reports to: District Store Director; Store ...

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$60.1K

$89.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Iowa is $60,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional chef?

Professional chefs are trained culinary experts who prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They are responsible for menu planning, ingredient selection, and ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain food safety standards, and stay updated with culinary trends. Their skills are developed through formal education, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

What are some common challenges professional chefs face in a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Chefs often encounter challenges such as high-pressure environments, time management issues during peak hours, and coordinating with a diverse kitchen staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate tasks are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Additionally, staying adaptable and calm under pressure helps chefs ensure quality and consistency in dishes, even during the busiest service periods.

What is the difference between Professional Chef vs Cook?

AspectProfessional ChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often requiredMinimal formal training, on-the-job learning common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, creating dishesPreparing ingredients, cooking dishes as instructed
Industry UsageHigh-level culinary roles, often with leadership dutiesEntry-level or supporting roles in food preparation

The main difference between a Professional Chef and a Cook lies in their responsibilities, training, and roles within the culinary industry. Professional Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking under supervision. Both roles are essential, but the Chef usually holds a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional chef?

To thrive as a Professional Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, formal culinary training or certification, and strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is essential. Creativity, leadership, time management, and effective communication distinguish outstanding chefs in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,108 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

Prairie Flower Casino

Carter Lake, IA โ€ข On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY

The Sous Chef leads the culinary line in preparing meals to meet the requests of our guests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures all orders are prepared to established standards and recipes.
  • Assists Head Chef with suggestions and information regarding the menu and improvements in service quality and efficiency.
  • Properly measures ingredients and follows all recipes and food portion requirements.
  • Uses all kitchen equipment such as knives, grills, ovens, flattops, fryer, and warmers are used appropriately and safely in food preparation.
  • Ensures all temperature requirements are met and proper storage is maintained. Responsible for monitor holding and storage temperatures.
  • Assists in ensure high quality products and cost of goods is within acceptable standards. Monitors inventory and ensures supplies are fresh and well stocked.
  • Approves and ensures all dishes are polished and presentable to every guest.
  • Ensures culinary staff to meet daily service standards, procedures, sanitation requirements and maintain a high level of guest service.
  • Responsible for ensuring the kitchen is prepared for opening/closing and that all side work is completed in a timely manner as directed by the Head Chef.
  • Maintains a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Responds to common inquiries or complaints from customers. Resolves Guest complaints in a timely and positive manner.
  • Ensures work areas are set up and maintained for cleanliness and organization of work area according to food safety standards and sanitation requirements.
  • Trains new team members and mentors other cooks in the kitchen to grow and develop new skills.
  • Performs all duties in a positive and professional manner. Maintains a clean and professional appearance according to company standards.
  • Responsible for maintaining a consistent, regular attendance record.
  • Must be able to work the required work schedule, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Works physically onsite to perform all assigned tasks.
  • Ensures all safety standards are met, and possible safety hazards are quickly resolved.
  • Is a role model and champion of Prairie Flower Casino’s Mission and Values.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

  • 4 years’ experience in a busy fast paced kitchen required., 6 years preferred. Must have leadership experience with culinary team.
  • Culinary degree or other related educational degree is preferred. ACF American Culinary Federation Certificate is helpful.
  • Must be able to sauté, broil, braise, basic roasting skills. Must be skilled in soups and sauces.
  • Must be skilled with kitchen equipment, ingredients, and procedures. Must have a strong knowledge of foot safety and sanitation.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to create a positive guest experience with both internal and external guests.
  • Proficient in the daily use of computer programs and software used to perform administrative functions of the department including the use of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Must be able to schedule a production day by organizing priority projects and efficiently coordinate the timing of multiple tasks at once. This includes the ability to work calmly and effectively under deadlines. Must be detailed oriented.
  • Must be able to work safely and efficiently within a fast-paced environment.
  • Must be able to add, subtract, calculate fractions, and multiply in the production of recipes and requesting supplies.
  • Must be able to read recipes, follow instructions and interpret as needed to create a quality product with little to no waste.
  • Must be able to maintain the appropriate Gaming License.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate food safety training certificate.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

  • Regularly required to stand and walk for an entire daily shift.
  • Regularly required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push/pull up to 100 pounds.
  • Uses hands grasp, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. Must have the dexterity to hold and maneuver boxes and other supplies.
  • Consistently required to reach with hands and arms, and balance.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in a kitchen environment.
  • This casino has an enclosed gaming area where smoking is allowed. Team members may be exposed to a smoking environment in or around this designated smoking area.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the role. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the team member assigned to the position. Prairie Flower Casino reserves the right to make changes to the above job description, as necessary.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska exercises Indian preference in hiring to Ponca Tribal members and members of federally recognized tribes.