Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Fast Food Cooks in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average annual salary of $29,830. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. The specific pay rates in Cedar Rapids are influenced by the local job market dynamics and the overall economic landscape of Iowa.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,170.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 individuals in this role, Cedar Rapids presents a moderately sized employment base for Fast Food Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Cedar Rapids compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-4.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$574
$2,486
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cedar Rapids is not provided, the fast-food industry nationally has seen consistent growth over the past four years. It's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Cedar Rapids have also experienced a gradual upward trend, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased consumer spending on dining out.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks or those in supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different percentile ranks signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,520 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,373 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,780 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,288 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,170 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,830 in Cedar Rapids aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Fast Food Cook in Cedar Rapids has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.124
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food 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 0.72 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are employed in Cedar Rapids at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the job is present, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,490↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,890↑ 0% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,100↑ 1% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,440↓ 8% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Cedar Rapids, IA is $29,830. This typically ranges from $22,520 for entry-level positions to $37,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 4.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,830 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This suggests average earning potential in this role.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($30,490) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Cedar Rapids has 3.124 jobs per 1,000 workers for Fast Food Cooks, which is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a moderate presence of this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Fast Food Cooks in Cedar Rapids?
An LQ of 0.72 means that Fast Food Cooks are 28% less concentrated in Cedar Rapids compared to the national average. This suggests the job market is less specialized in this role relative to other industries.
Does experience significantly impact a Fast Food Cook's salary in Cedar Rapids?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary growth. More experienced cooks or those in lead positions generally earn more than entry-level staff, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
How does the cost of living in Cedar Rapids affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cedar Rapids matches the national average. Therefore, the $29,830 salary offers standard purchasing power, neither significantly enhancing nor diminishing the value of the income.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 3.124 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Production Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA