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Traveling Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

Cook- PT

Spirit Lake, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Portions cooked foods per Director's direction regarding size of portions and methods of garnishing ... Some travel to meetings and seminars may be required. PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR ...

Cook- PT

Spirit Lake, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

... travel to meetings and seminars may be required. PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES) • Must be able to move intermittently throughout the working day ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19/hr

LINE COOK Mulberry Street Tavern at the Surety Hotel, Des Moines, Iowa Full-time and part-time ... for travelers and a point of pride for the City of Certainties. WHO YOU ARE You crave to create ...

Cook

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Cook

Davenport, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to ...

Full-Time Cook

Waukee, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook Independence Village of Waukee Position Summary: Full-time 6a-2p or 11a-7p, must be available ... Occasional travel to different locations may be required. We have comprehensive benefit packages ...

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Showing results 1-20

Traveling Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$96.2K

$133.4K

How much do traveling cook jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for traveling cook in Iowa is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traveling cook?

A Traveling Cook is a culinary professional who prepares meals in various locations rather than a fixed kitchen. They may work for private clients, catering companies, or businesses requiring on-the-go meal preparation. Duties often include planning menus, shopping for ingredients, and cooking meals in different settings, such as yachts, remote job sites, or private homes. This role requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in diverse kitchen environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traveling cook?

To thrive as a Traveling Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in diverse cooking environments, often supported by a culinary degree or food handler certification. Familiarity with portable cooking equipment, inventory management systems, and adherence to health regulations is typically required. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are essential for adapting to different locations and client preferences. These competencies ensure consistent high-quality meals, seamless operations on the move, and positive experiences for clients across varied settings.

What are the typical work schedules and travel expectations for a traveling cook?

As a Traveling Cook, your work schedule and travel frequency can vary widely depending on your employer or assignment, ranging from short-term events and seasonal jobs to long-term deployments at remote locations. You may work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, to meet client or event needs. The role often requires adaptability, as you could be stationed at different sites—such as camps, resorts, private yachts, or event venues—each with unique kitchen setups. Being prepared for frequent travel is crucial, as assignments may take you to both domestic and international destinations. This dynamic environment offers exposure to diverse culinary experiences and the opportunity to grow your skills in various settings.

How do you become a traveling cook?

To become a traveling cook, you typically need culinary training or experience, such as a culinary degree or apprenticeship, and strong cooking skills. Gaining experience in various cuisines and working in different environments can help, along with obtaining relevant certifications like food safety. Many traveling cooks find opportunities through staffing agencies, hospitality companies, or by applying directly to temporary or contract positions that require travel.

What are popular job titles related to Traveling Cook jobs in Iowa?

For Traveling Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traveling Cook jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Traveling Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Traveling Cook jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Traveling Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Traveling Cook job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Cook

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Line Cook

Independence Village Des Moines

Position Summary:

As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will take on a rewarding position with an innovative company where hard work pays off and advancement is always a possibility.

Required Experience for Cook:

  • High School diploma (or equivalent) or technical school
  • A minimum of three years of line cook experience and/or training
  • Good communication skills are required.

Primary Responsibilities for Cook:

  • Cook and prepare food for residents, guests, and employees.
  • Prepare food according to the planned menu using standard recipes.
  • Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions.
  • Assist other kitchen staff as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Ensures that sufficient food is prepped and/or prepared.
  • Communicates with supervisor of shortages or outages.
  • Ensures freshness, cooking status, and proper seasoning of all foods served.
  • Stocks and cleans station for next shift.
  • Follows proper food rotation policies.
  • Consistently maintains a positive attitude which supports a team environment.
  • Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members, and guests.
  • Knowledgeable of the resident rights, and ensures an atmosphere which allows for privacy, dignity, and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.
  • Maintain safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, sanitation, and security.
  • Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in order to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
  • Present professional appearance by wearing uniform and name tag.

General Working Conditions:

This position entails standing for long periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively with others, sit, stand, walk and use hands to handle keyboard, telephone, paper, files, and other equipment and objects. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to review detailed documents and read computer screens. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment requires appropriate interaction with others. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Occasional travel to different locations may be required.

We have comprehensive benefit packages that include health, dental, vision, 401(k), income protection, and extraordinary work-life benefits.

This classification description is intended to indicate the general kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that are required of positions given this title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of the employees under her/his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Connecting Seniors, Families and Communities

For over 37 years, our senior living communities have served seniors and their families across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with each location offering unique services including independent, enhanced, and assisted living, as well as memory care and rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Through forming authentic connections and committing to creating the absolute best experiences each day for our residents and their families, weve created a special culture within our communities that allows our employees to do their best work and our residents to shine every day.

Not Just Making Every Day Great. Making Every Minute Great. There are 1,440 minutes in every single day. We aspire to make each one of them an exceptional moment. This philosophy is supported by our 6 powerful, yet simple pillars: Dream Big, Have Courage, Take Initiative, Be Accountable, Give Back & Enjoy it. We strive to fulfill the aspirational yet unattainable goal of creating the absolute best experience with every person, in every interaction, every minute of every day.

It begins with empowering our employees. Every employee, at every level of the company, is expected to perform like a leader. Everyone is encouraged and expected to put the needs of each other above everything else. No one here just does their job The mission is to create the absolute best experiences. This emphasis on putting people first has helped us successfully grow for the right reasons.

We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and believers to seek career opportunities with us. We find people who believe that true happiness is only found in the service of others. We want high-performers with diverse skill-sets and big hearts. We treat each other as family and find that close collaboration creates the biggest ideas.

If you love serving others, and are looking for an opportunity to thrive, CommonSail Investment Group and our businesses is your destination.

This classification description is intended to indicate the general kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that are required of positions given this title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of the employees under her/his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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