Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Iowa City, IA
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Iowa City, IA is $48,970. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Iowa City, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,060.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Iowa City, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa City, IA earns-24.3%below the national average.
$23.5
$942
$4,081
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Iowa City, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 3.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Iowa City, 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 $29,040, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $71,060.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,040 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,728 | $17.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,980 | $21.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $61,213 | $29.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $71,060 | $34.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Iowa City, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $48,970 to $48,970.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.273
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Iowa City, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
120 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa City, IA.
1.273 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,410↓ 1% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,690↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,360↓ 11% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,320↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,030↑ 2% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa City, IA is $48,970. This typically ranges from $29,040 for entry-level positions to $71,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 24.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Iowa City, IA is $48,970 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Iowa City, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, 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 120 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 1.273 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Iowa City, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Iowa City, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa City, IA