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Professional Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred) Disclaimer: The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and ...

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes * Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment * Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes * Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment * Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes * Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment * Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation ...

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes * Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment * Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation ...

Cook

Robins, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

Cook

Walcott, IA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Professional development opportunities * Employee assistance programs Position Summary The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do professional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectProfessional CookLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications or trainingOften no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentVaries from restaurants to catering, more supervisory rolesPrimarily kitchen station work in restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across food service sectorsCommonly used in restaurant kitchens
Job FocusOversees food prep, manages kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line

While both roles involve cooking, a Professional Cook often has broader responsibilities, including supervision and menu planning, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station in the kitchen. The Professional Cook typically requires more training or certification and may work in diverse food service settings, while the Line Cook is primarily hands-on in restaurant kitchens.

What does a professional cook do?

A professional cook prepares, cooks, and presents food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They follow recipes, ensure food safety standards, and may specialize in specific cuisines or techniques. Strong skills in knife work, time management, and knowledge of kitchen equipment are essential for the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Professional Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Professional Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Wingstop's mission is to serve the world flavor. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop. We are looking for team members who want to deliver a flavor experience.


A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company standards in all areas of operation, including product preparation maintaining the highest quality products and services are delivered to each customer; follows and comprehends the importance of proper personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. The restaurant cook must be able to successfully focus on their job in a calm, yet efficient manner.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:


Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop

experience

Ability to practice safe cooking procedures

Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets

Accurately count the number of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips needed for each order

Coordinate the cooking time of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips and fries with the corresponding timer

According to Wingstop standards; Sauce, Season and package all orders

Accurately count the cooked Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips into the proper sauce bowls

Cook and prepare Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips, and

Fries in the proper fryers and baskets

Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and

with proper safety equipment

Assist in keeping the kitchen clean throughout the shift maintaining clean as you

go and at closing time

Immediately notify Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues

Assist other employees as needed

Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor

Know and thoroughly understand the importance of good hygiene and food

handling practices

Ability to thoroughly understand and follow instructions in how to properly and

safely use chemical cleaning products


Key Skills/Abilities:


Guest service mentality; has a genuine desire to serve the customer

Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations

Manages multiple projects and timelines with a sense of urgency and follow

through

Well organized and detail oriented

Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self improvement

Has an outgoing personality

Strong work ethic


Additional Information:


Cook and restaurant experience is a plus!

Food Handler Certification required


Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Free meals 
  • Flexible schedule


Experience:


Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Line cook: 1 year (Preferred)


Disclaimer:


The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.


Flavor Nation Restaurant logo

About Flavor Nation Restaurant

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights. Today there are more than 2,000 restaurants open across the globe. Wingstop quickly became a fan favorite when we first opened our doors in 1994. Our proprietary recipes, outstanding food and superior customer service created a demand that could only be satisfied by more locations. And in 1997 we began offering franchises. Today we are one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country, attracting top entrepreneurs and operators with the drive and passion to own their own business. We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavor business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavor since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

San Mateo, CA, US