Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Iowa City, IA
Cooks in the fast-food sector in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $30,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific market. The pay scale reflects the unique economic environment and the concentration of this particular job role within the Iowa City area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,240.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 330 individuals in this role, the fast-food cook sector in Iowa City represents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, segment of the local labor market. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to national trends, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Iowa City, IA earns-2.1%below the national average.
$14.7
$586
$2,541
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Iowa City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of gradual salary increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests that compensation for these roles has likely seen modest growth, keeping pace with the broader economic landscape.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression for fast-food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with corresponding increases in responsibility and pay. While specific percentile salary data is unavailable, the typical career path indicates that experienced cooks can command higher salaries than those just starting out, with significant percentile gaps representing opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,560 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,868 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,140 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,113 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,240 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,490 in Iowa City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Iowa City is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the local cost of goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents in this profession.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
3.52
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.81x 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 0.81 for fast-food cooks in Iowa City indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is established, it may be less competitive than in areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering a stable environment for job seekers without an overwhelming number of applicants for each position.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,830↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,100↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↓ 4% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,890↓ 2% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,440↓ 10% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Iowa City, IA is $30,490. This typically ranges from $22,560 for entry-level positions to $37,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 2.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $30,490 is slightly below the national average, and the job market is not disproportionately concentrated, indicating moderate earning potential.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($29,830) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the Iowa City salary for fast-food cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Iowa City, IA, is $30,490, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA for fast-food cooks?
Iowa City has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary is on par with the national average.
How concentrated is the fast-food cook job market in Iowa City?
The job market for fast-food cooks in Iowa City has a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Iowa City?
There are approximately 330 individuals employed as fast-food cooks in Iowa City, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 3.52 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 City, IA