Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan settings. The localized pay scale is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the prevailing wage expectations within the community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,790.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of approximately 950 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with or slightly exceeds national trends for this occupation within its specific geographic context.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.9%below the national average.
$13.2
$528
$2,287
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market demands typically contribute to incremental salary increases for fast-food positions nationwide, and Southeast Iowa would likely follow a similar, albeit potentially more modest, trajectory.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,580 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,300 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,790 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,440 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced with local wages.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
4.742
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market for this role is marginally more robust or specialized in this region, suggesting that opportunities may be relatively more abundant or that the industry plays a more significant role in the local economy than in a typical U.S. area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,240↑ 10% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,940↑ 13% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,830↑ 9% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,490↑ 11% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $27,440. This typically ranges from $20,800 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $27,440 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast 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 Fast Food Cooks in Southeast Iowa?
A local workforce of 950 suggests a moderate-sized pool of these workers, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market for new entrants or those seeking to switch roles within the industry.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.09 mean for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
A Location Quotient of 1.09 signifies that Fast Food Cooks are slightly more concentrated in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area than the national average, implying a potentially stronger local demand or industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Southeast Iowa compare to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are on par with the rest of the country.
What is the national average salary for Cooks, Fast Food?
The national average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is $31,130, which is higher than the average salary observed in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.742 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area