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Professional Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Better Living at Walcott

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 ...

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Cook

Ottumwa, IA

$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 ...

Emery Place

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 ...

Homestead of Algona

Cook

Algona, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Homestead of Algona is seeking a Cook to join our dynamic team, a cozy senior community offering ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * A chance to make a meaningful difference in ...

Cassia

Cook

Boone, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live ... We value inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel supported ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... This position requires attention to detail, reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to ...

Cassia

Cook

Boone, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live ... We value inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel supported ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... This position requires attention to detail, reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to ...

Tommy's West Restaurant

cook

Cedar Rapids, IA

$12 - $18/hr

Join Our Team as a Cook at Tommy's West Restaurant! At Tommy's West Restaurant, we take pride in ... a professional kitchen. - Is passionate about food and takes pride in their craft. - Works well ...

Taher, Inc.

Cook

Algona, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a professional or institutional setting. * Ability to speak and understand English to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

Cassia

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live ... We value inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel supported ...

Cassia

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live ... We value inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel supported ...

Great Escape

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Bowlero

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Great Escape

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Bowlero

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

Great Escape

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProfessional Cook JobsProfessional Cook Jobs in Iowa

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.

Cook

Better Living at Walcott

Walcott, IA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits:

  • Compensation: 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401 (K) matching
  • 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 requires someone with genuine cooking experience — not just fast-food or short-order work — who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime in a senior living environment. The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Service

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu
  • Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.)
  • Ensuring meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered
  • Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service

Kitchen Operations

  • Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas
  • Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards
  • Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs

Resident & Team Engagement

  • Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner
  • Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team
  • Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests
  • Representing the community with professionalism and warmth

Compliance & Safety

  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations
  • Maintain required food handler certifications
  • Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining
  • Participate in required training and continuing education

Qualifications

  • Previous cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food)
  • Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
  • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently
  • Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor
  • Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods
  • Must pass background checks and meet state requirements

What Success Looks Like

  • Residents enjoy meals that feel home-cooked, consistent, and comforting
  • The kitchen is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
  • Mealtimes run smoothly with minimal delays
  • The Cook is reliable, calm under pressure, and a positive presence on weekends
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen operations


We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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