Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $43,360. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,080.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-33.0%below the national average.
$20.9
$834
$3,613
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have shown healthy growth of 15.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 $28,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $66,080.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,430 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,520 | $15.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,200 | $26.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $66,080 | $31.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $43,360 to $43,360.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.808
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.68x 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.
70 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
Only 0.808 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↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,030↑ 15% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $45,080↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $40,320↓ 7% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $42,300↓ 2% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $43,360. This typically ranges from $28,430 for entry-level positions to $66,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 33.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $43,360 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($48,410) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 0.808 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA