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Summer Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Waldorf University

Lead Evening Cook

Forest City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Summer catering opportunities are available based on operational needs. Typical schedule is 40 ... Provide clear communication and instruction to cooking staff. Must be self-motivated and focused.

Waldorf University

Lead Evening Cook

Forest City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Summer catering opportunities are available based on operational needs. Typical schedule is 40 ... Provide clear communication and instruction to cooking staff. Must be self-motivated and focused.

State of Iowa

Cook 1

Des Moines, IA

$15.58 - $22.19/hr

Schedule follows standard school calendar Minimal opportunities to work during summer break. A ... Ability to lift food packages, serving trays, and industrial-sized cooking pans. Works and ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

This is not a seasonal or summer-only role . * Position Summary * Under general supervision, prepares and cooks hot foods for patients, employees, visitors, community outpatient services and special ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

This is not a seasonal or summer-only role . * Position Summary * Under general supervision, prepares and cooks hot foods for patients, employees, visitors, community outpatient services and special ...

Compass Group

COOK

Winterset, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions. * Location : Winterset CSD ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Chartwells K12

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Winterset, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions. * Location : Winterset CSD ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Winterset, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions. * Location : Winterset CSD ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Winterset, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions. * Location : Winterset CSD ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Waldorf University

Food Service Workers

Forest City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

... the summer for catering events or conferences. Part-time hours are available during meal service and catering events. Positions/work available includes areas production cook or preparation ...

Waldorf University

Food Service Workers

Forest City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

... the summer for catering events or conferences. Part-time hours are available during meal service and catering events. Positions/work available includes areas production cook or preparation ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks if food temperatures are not within acceptable limits. * Serves hot and cold items to ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks if food temperatures are not within acceptable limits. * Serves hot and cold items to ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks if food temperatures are not within acceptable limits. * Serves hot and cold items to ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Cooking JobsSummer Cooking Jobs in Iowa

Summer Cooking information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do summer cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer cooking in Iowa is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer cooking job?

A Summer Cooking job typically involves preparing and cooking meals in a seasonal setting, such as a summer camp, resort, or restaurant. Responsibilities may include food prep, following recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety. These jobs are often fast-paced and require teamwork. They provide great experience for those interested in the culinary field or looking for temporary seasonal work.

What is a typical day like for someone working in a summer cooking job?

A typical day in a Summer Cooking role often involves preparing ingredients, cooking meals or snacks, following set menus or recipes, and maintaining a clean kitchen area. Depending on the setting, you may also serve food, interact with campers or guests, and assist in planning themed meals or special events. Collaboration with other kitchen staff and clear communication with supervisors are crucial for smooth daily operations. You'll need to adapt to varying group sizes and dietary needs, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy a fast-paced, community-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the summer cooking position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Summer Cooking position, strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in a kitchen environment are essential, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with kitchen tools, basic cooking equipment, and food preparation systems is commonly required. Effective teamwork, adaptability, and strong time management help individuals excel in high-paced environments and ensure a positive experience for guests or participants. These skills are important to deliver quality meals efficiently and maintain safety standards during busy summer operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Summer Cooking jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Summer Cooking job openings:

Summer Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Cooking job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 32% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

ECC and School Aged Head Cook at Prairie Heights (2026-2027)

College Community School District

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$21.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Nutrition Services/Head Cook
Date Posted:
8/27/2026
Location:
Prairie Heights
Date Available:
09/21/2026
Early Childhood Center and School Aged Head Cook at Prairie Heights (2026-2027)
This is a 12-month Head Cook position that will work all ECC "No School Days", in effect, days when ECC and School Age Wrap
Around are in attendance, but the rest of the district does not have students attending. This includes snow days, several days over the
breaks in November, December, Spring break, all of Summer. The hours are tentatively 7:00-1:00 on the No School Days.
Starting Wage: $21.05 per hour
  • Up to 10 years previous experience in similar role within the most recent 10 years given

Benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Iowa Public Employee Retirement (IPERS) District Contribution of 9.44% to your IPERS account
  • Full single health and single dental for full time employees
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • 2 Personal Days
  • Personal and Family Sick Days

Attachment(s):
  • Head Cook Job Description.pdf

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