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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Dubuque, IA

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Dubuque, IA, earn an average annual salary of $29,890. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including the concentration of fast-food businesses and the overall demand for these roles within Dubuque's specific economic landscape, contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,360.
  • Outlook: Dubuque, IA, supports a local workforce of 220 Cooks, Fast Food, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 3.691. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the immediate area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,890

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Dubuque, IA earns-4.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.4

Weekly

$575

Monthly

$2,491

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA

The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Dubuque, IA, typically expands with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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 opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,480$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,418$10.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,730$13.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,363$18
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,360$18

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,890

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $29,890 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for a Fast Food Cook in Dubuque, IA, directly reflects the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Dubuque is comparable to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

3.691

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Dubuque, IA has 0.85x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.85 for Cooks, Fast Food in Dubuque, IA, indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,830↓ 0%62 mi
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,100↑ 1%65 mi
Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,490↑ 2%72 mi
Madison, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,950↓ 6%78 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,350↓ 2%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Dubuque, IA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Dubuque, IA is $29,890. This typically ranges from $22,480 for entry-level positions to $37,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 4.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Dubuque, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,890 is below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.

Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($29,830) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.

How does the salary for Fast Food Cooks in Dubuque compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Dubuque, IA, is $29,890, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA for Fast Food Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in Dubuque, IA?

There are approximately 220 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Dubuque, IA, representing 3.691 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Does experience significantly impact salary for Fast Food Cooks in Dubuque?

Yes, typically, more experienced Fast Food Cooks in Dubuque can expect to earn higher salaries than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 3.691 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Dubuque, IA