Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $53,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this culinary sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,990.
- Outlook: The culinary landscape in Des Moines-West Des Moines features a dedicated workforce of 380 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for specialized culinary leadership within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-16.9%below the national average.
$25.9
$1,034
$4,482
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing appreciation for skilled culinary professionals across the nation.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and proven leadership skills command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,530 | $17.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $40,335 | $19.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $49,780 | $23.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $67,225 | $32.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $73,990 | $35.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $53,780 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
0.947
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where skilled professionals may find a good balance between job availability and the number of peers, potentially leading to stable employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,600↓ 8% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,030↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $45,080↓ 16% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $40,320↓ 25% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $42,300↓ 21% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $53,780. This typically ranges from $35,530 for entry-level positions to $73,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 16.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $53,780 is supported by a cost of living at the national average, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for this role. This indicates that while living expenses are manageable, the earning potential is lower than in many other U.S. markets.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($49,600) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $53,780, which is approximately 16.8% lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job concentration for Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines?
The Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market for these professionals.
Does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is at the national average (100). This means the $53,780 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair, though not high, compensation relative to local expenses.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Des Moines?
There are approximately 380 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area, representing about 0.947 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.947 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA