Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $30,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower cost of doing business influence compensation in this sector. While the difference is marginal, it reflects the specific economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,310 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Des Moines-West Des Moines shows a moderate concentration compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the area's food service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-0.6%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,578
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for quick-service dining, and adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food sector, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,280 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,205 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,680 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,675 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,410 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,940 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal pay is balanced by stable living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,310
Total Jobs
3.236
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.75x 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 0.75 for Cooks, Fast Food in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,240↓ 2% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,440↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,630↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,130↓ 12% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $30,940. This typically ranges from $23,280 for entry-level positions to $37,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 0.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning earning potential is comparable but not significantly higher than elsewhere.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,240) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $30,940, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job market like for Fast Food Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with 1,310 individuals in the role and a Location Quotient of 0.75, indicating stable demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Fast Food Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly lower nominal salary of $30,940 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with percentile gaps indicating potential for growth from entry-level to more senior roles within the fast-food industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 3.236 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA