Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower operational costs prevalent in nonmetropolitan settings. The specific economic landscape and demand for fast-food services in this area directly influence compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market in Northwest Iowa indicates a demand that closely mirrors the national average. While not exceptionally concentrated, the presence of nearly 4.05 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent need for these professionals within the region's fast-food sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.2%below the national average.
$13.3
$531
$2,303
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, aligning with general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest compared to metropolitan areas, reflects an ongoing adjustment to labor market conditions and cost of living.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise.
| 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) | $20,723 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,600 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,538 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,790 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,630 in Northwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
4.047
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.93x 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 0.93 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Iowa is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market is not oversaturated, and demand is relatively stable, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,240↑ 9% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,940↑ 12% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↑ 6% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,830↑ 8% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,490↑ 10% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $27,630. This typically ranges from $21,640 for entry-level positions to $34,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,630 is below the national average of $31,130, though the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing purchasing power.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,240) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Iowa?
A local workforce of 590 indicates a moderate-sized pool of professionals, suggesting a stable but not overly competitive job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.93 mean for fast-food jobs in Northwest Iowa?
A Location Quotient of 0.93 signifies that the concentration of fast-food cooks in Northwest Iowa is slightly less than the national average, implying a balanced job market with consistent demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the $27,630 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would in a typical US location.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for fast-food cooks in this region?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less than senior cooks or those in supervisory roles, reflecting a typical career progression within the industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.047 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area