Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized fast-food roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,220.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 280 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating that while the profession is present, it's not disproportionately dominant within the local employment structure. The density of 3.873 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit not booming, presence of these opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-12.8%below the national average.
$13
$522
$2,261
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southwest Iowa is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for most occupations, including Cooks, Fast Food, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
For Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Iowa, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory skills or specialized knowledge can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the fast-food sector.
| 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) | $20,348 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,600 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,913 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,220 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,130 in Southwest Iowa for Cooks, Fast Food aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
3.873
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is well-established, there isn't an oversupply of these roles relative to the overall workforce compared to national benchmarks, suggesting a balanced, though not intensely competitive, job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,240↑ 11% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,940↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,350↑ 8% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,830↑ 10% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,490↑ 12% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $27,130. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $35,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 12.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food.The average salary of $27,130 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,240) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Iowa is $27,130, which is $4,000 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Iowa?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.89, indicating that the proportion of Fast Food Cooks in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the Cost of Living affect the value of the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $27,130 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in Southwest Iowa?
There are approximately 280 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Southwest 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 280 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.873 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area