Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Iowa
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Iowa earn an average annual salary of $29,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's food service sector. The cost of living in Iowa also plays a role in shaping local compensation trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 5,900 individuals in this role, the fast-food cook sector in Iowa represents a stable segment of the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for fast-food cooks within Iowa.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Iowa earns-6.2%below the national average.
$14
$562
$2,433
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for roles like Fast Food Cooks tend to experience modest annual growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in minimum wage legislation, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals. Therefore, it's reasonable to assume that the average salary for Cooks in Iowa has seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Iowa
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Iowa typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, potentially around the 25th percentile. As cooks gain experience, develop specialized skills, and potentially move into supervisory roles, their earnings can increase significantly, reaching towards the 75th percentile or higher for senior or lead positions. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,640 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,900 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,770 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,500 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,553
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $29,200 in Iowa for Fast Food Cooks is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index indicates that the general cost of goods and services in Iowa is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary of $29,200 likely affords a comparable or slightly better purchasing power for residents compared to earning a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
5,900
Total Jobs
3.78
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Iowa has 0.87x 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 0.87 for Fast Food Cooks in Iowa suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Iowa compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a solid presence of these jobs, the market is not oversaturated, and there may be a balanced level of competition for available positions. Employers are likely to find a steady pool of candidates without facing extreme competition from job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,240↑ 4% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,940↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,830↑ 2% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,490↑ 4% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Iowa is $29,200. This typically ranges from $21,640 for entry-level positions to $36,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 6.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $29,200 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living means that this salary offers good purchasing power.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,240) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does Iowa's average salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Iowa is $29,200, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Iowa?
There are approximately 5,900 individuals employed as Fast Food Cooks in the state of Iowa.
How does the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Iowa compare to the rest of the country?
Iowa has a Location Quotient of 0.87 for Fast Food Cooks, indicating a concentration that is slightly below the national average.
Does the cost of living in Iowa affect the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary?
Yes, Iowa's Cost of Living Index is 89.7, meaning it is cheaper than the national average. This makes the $29,200 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,900 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 3.78 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 Iowa