Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Dubuque, IA
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Dubuque, IA is $49,320. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Dubuque, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,460.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Dubuque, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Dubuque, IA earns-23.7%below the national average.
$23.7
$948
$4,110
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Dubuque, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Dubuque, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,860, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $71,460.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,860 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,990 | $17.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,700 | $20.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $61,650 | $29.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $71,460 | $34.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Dubuque, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,320 to $49,320.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.83
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Dubuque, IA has 0.70x 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.
50 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Dubuque, IA.
Only 0.83 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,410↓ 2% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,690↓ 1% | 65 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,970↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Madison, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,730↑ 29% | 78 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,360↓ 12% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Dubuque, IA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Dubuque, IA is $49,320. This typically ranges from $29,860 for entry-level positions to $71,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 23.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Dubuque, IA is $49,320 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Dubuque, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($48,410) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 0.83 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 Dubuque, IA