Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $42,300. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,270.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-34.6%below the national average.
$20.3
$813
$3,525
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area have seen a slight adjustment of -10.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area 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 $27,860, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $59,270.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,860 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,725 | $15.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,910 | $18.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,875 | $25.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,270 | $28.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $42,300 to $42,300.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.764
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.65x 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.
60 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.764 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,600↑ 17% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,780↑ 27% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,360↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,410↑ 14% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,970↑ 16% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $42,300. This typically ranges from $27,860 for entry-level positions to $59,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 34.6% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $42,300 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($49,600) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.764 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area