Restaurants Where Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Des Moines, IA: Key Takeaways
- The average hourly wage for Line Cooks in Des Moines is approximately $17.00 to $18.00 per hour.
- Tips are typically minimal for Line Cooks, but occasionally some kitchens offer tip pooling or bonuses, ranging from $1 to $3 per hour extra.
- Tupelo Honey, Olive Garden, and Flagship Restaurant Group are among the top-paying employers for Line Cooks in Des Moines.
Line Cooks in Des Moines can expect competitive pay rates that make this position a viable option for culinary professionals.
This guide explores which restaurants are leading in compensation and details how the type of restaurant impacts earning potential for Line Cooks in Des Moines, IA.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Line Cooks in Des Moines, IA
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey is a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its handcrafted dishes and scratch-made ingredients.
Line Cooks here earn competitive wages while working in a lively and creative kitchen environment.
For those interested in growing their culinary career, learning how to advance in kitchen roles can be crucial. See our guide on advancing from line cook to head chef.
Hilton
The Hilton hotel chain offers varied dining options across its restaurants with a focus on quality service and guest experience.
Line Cooks employed at Hilton benefit from steady hours and consistent pay scales.
Employers interested in attracting qualified culinary professionals might also benefit from reviewing our tips on hiring kitchen managers to improve kitchen operations.
Olive Garden
Famous for Italian-American cuisine, Olive Garden is a staple family dining venue offering comfortable work settings and reliable wages for kitchen staff.
Line Cooks at Olive Garden enjoy a stable work environment with opportunities to refine basic culinary skills.
Flix Brewhouse
Flix Brewhouse is a unique cinema-brewery that combines entertainment and dining, known for its casual vibe and approachable menu.
The Line Cook wages here are slightly lower but include chances to work in a fun and fast-paced setting.
Flagship Restaurant Group
Flagship Restaurant Group operates multiple dining concepts in Des Moines, emphasizing high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences.
Line Cooks enjoy competitive compensation and the possibility to grow within the company.
For more insight on managing restaurant operations effectively, explore our best practices for restaurant operations management.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Line Cook Earnings in Des Moines, IA
The type of restaurant greatly influences the earnings of Line Cooks.
- Upscale and hotel restaurants typically offer higher base pay and potential bonuses compared to casual dining.
- Casual and fast-casual restaurants tend to offer lower wages but might provide opportunities for tips or performance rewards.
- Line Cooks with additional certifications like food safety training might command higher pay.
Overall, kitchens in upscale settings may provide additional perks including meal allowances and structured pay increases.
Employers can improve kitchen staffing by consulting our guide on how to hire a cook, focusing on qualifications that boost kitchen success.
How To Find a High Paying Line Cook Job in Des Moines, IA
Craft a Strong Cover Letter
Highlight your previous kitchen experience and any certifications to stand out when applying for high-paying positions.
See our tips in chef cover letter examples and templates to create effective applications.
Practice Interview Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary skills, teamwork, and ability to work under pressure during interviews.
Learn common questions with our line cook interview questions guide.
Network in the Local Culinary Scene
Attend food events and connect with local chefs and restaurateurs to uncover opportunities not publicly advertised.
Keep Your Certifications Updated
Food safety and handling certifications can boost your qualifications, making you more attractive to employers.
What’s the Outlook for Line Cook Jobs in Des Moines, IA in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Line Cooks in Des Moines is projected to remain steady, supported by the city's growing dining and hospitality industry.
The region’s expanding restaurant scene and hotel developments are expected to provide continuous job opportunities.
According to labor market data, employment for food preparation workers is expected to grow by approximately 6% through 2028, reflecting a positive outlook.
Is a Line Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Des Moines, IA?
With average wages near $17 to $18 per hour, Line Cooks can earn between $35,000 and $37,000 annually when working full-time.
Des Moines offers relatively affordable living costs:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: roughly $900 per month
- Utilities and internet: around $150 per month
- Groceries and essentials: $300–$400 per month
Many Line Cooks find their salary sufficient for comfortable living, especially when combining wages with additional benefits or overtime.
To understand more about wage trends and cost of living considerations for hospitality workers, see our restaurant wages compared by state spotlight.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Des Moines, IA Line Cook Jobs
We selected these restaurants based on their reputation for offering competitive wages, stable employment, and good working environments.
- Pay rates: Focused on restaurants with above-average hourly wages for Line Cooks.
- Benefits: Preference given to employers providing healthcare, meal perks, or career advancement opportunities.
- Location: Central Des Moines and key commercial districts with high customer traffic.
These factors ensure candidates find not only higher pay, but also supportive workplaces conducive to career growth.
For employers wanting to improve employee retention in kitchens and restaurants, our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover spotlight offers valuable tactics.
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