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School Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ogden Community Schools

Substitute School Cook

Ogden, IA · On-site

$12.50/hr

Ogden Middle School/High SchoolOgden Community Schools is seeking applicants for the position of substitute school cook. This position would work on an as-needed basis and assist with preparation and ...

Anamosa Community School District

Cook

Anamosa, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Anamosa Community School District Date Available: August 2026 Closing Date: Open Until Filled The Anamosa Community School District is in need of a Cook. This person will participate in the ...

Southeast Polk Community School District

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent. * Prefer two years quantity cooking experience. * Ability to obtain ServSafe certification and complete New Manager Training within the first six-months to one year ...

Southeast Polk Community School District

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent. * Prefer two years quantity cooking experience. * Ability to obtain ServSafe certification and complete New Manager Training within the first six-months to one year ...

Anamosa Community School District

Cook

Anamosa, IA

$14 - $18.75/hr

The Anamosa Community School District is in need of a Cook. This person will participate in the preparation, cooking, baking and serving of a variety of foods in quanity. Maintain proper sanitary ...

Opa Time

Cook

Sioux City, IA

$17/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: * Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. * Preparing workstations for cooking.

Taher, Inc.

Cook

Algona, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

About the Role The Cook at Algona Middle School plays a vital role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff, ensuring that dietary standards and safety regulations are ...

Mid-Prairie Community School District

General Cook

Wellman, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Mid-Prairie High School Date Available: Beg. of 26-27 Yr. Closing Date: 08/05/2026 Mid-Prairie Community School District is seeking a General Cook for the High School in Wellman. The hours would be 7 ...

CHI Health Missouri Valley

Cook

Missouri Valley, IA · On-site

$15.67 - $22.14/hr

High School Graduate General Studies, upon hire or * High School GED General Studies, upon hire and * Cooking Experience and * Combination of education and experience Where You'll Work For more than ...

The Village of Ackley

Cook

Ackley, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Interact with residents in a friendly and positive way What You'll Need as a Cook: * 18 years of age or older * (Preferred) Relevant cooking experience * (Preferred) High school diploma or equivalent

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School Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

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How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cook in Iowa is $15.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a School Cook, and how can they be effectively managed?

School Cooks often face challenges such as preparing large quantities of nutritious meals within tight timeframes and adhering to strict dietary guidelines and food safety regulations. Managing food allergies and accommodating special dietary needs among students can also be demanding. Effective organization, clear communication with staff, and staying updated on food safety protocols are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with school nutritionists and kitchen team members helps ensure smooth meal service and a positive dining experience for students.

What Does a School Cook Do?

As a school cook, you prepare and serve food for students in a cafeteria. You typically cook lunch in a kitchen every day, but you may also prepare meals for breakfast and provide additional snacks after school or for school events. Your duties include ensuring that you and other cafeteria workers observe food safety and sanitation practices. Other responsibilities involve obtaining and storing ingredients, ensuring that equipment functions properly, and ordering additional supplies as needed. You also plan the menu for foodservice in advance. Schools may require you to continue your education in safe kitchen and food prep practices while employed.

What are school cooks?

School cooks are food service professionals responsible for preparing and serving meals to students and staff within educational institutions. They follow specific recipes, ensure adherence to nutrition guidelines, and maintain food safety standards. School cooks may also help plan menus, manage inventory, and accommodate special dietary needs. Their role is essential in providing healthy, balanced meals that support students' learning and well-being.

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

To thrive as a School Cook, you need strong knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, and food safety, typically supported by a high school diploma and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are essential soft skills. These skills ensure safe, nutritious, and timely meal service to large groups of students while maintaining compliance with health regulations.

What is the difference between School Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsFood safety certification, basic food handling
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasServing lines, dining areas
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, cafeterias, food service providers
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsServing food, assisting with meal distribution

School Cooks primarily prepare and cook meals in school kitchens, requiring culinary skills and food safety certifications. Cafeteria Workers focus on serving food and assisting with meal distribution in dining areas. While both roles work within school food service environments, School Cooks handle cooking responsibilities, whereas Cafeteria Workers support meal service and customer interaction.

More about School Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs in Iowa? For School Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for School Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for School Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most School Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs in IA? For School Cook jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
School Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,500 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Substitute School Cook

Ogden Community School District

Ogden, IA • On-site

$12.50/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Ogden Community Schools is seeking applicants for the position of substitute school cook. This position would work on an as-needed basis and assist with preparation and serving school meals at both the elementary and MS/HS levels. The hourly wage is currently $12.50.
Interested candidates are asked to submit application via the school website employment page: https://www.applitrack.com/Ogden/onlineapp/
It is the policy of the Ogden Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Derek Carlson, Ogden High School, 732 W. Division St., Ogden, IA 50212, 515-275-4034, derek.carlson@ogden.k12.ia.us. 





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