Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Ames, IA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Ames, IA earn an average annual salary of $35,040. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130. Localized demand and the specific economic factors within Ames contribute to this pay differential, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,410.
- Outlook: Ames, IA supports a local workforce of 350 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.17 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within institutional settings in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames, IA earns-8.1%below the national average.
$16.9
$674
$2,920
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames, IA have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained need for qualified food service personnel.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles 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 significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,280 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,330 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,800 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,410 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,040 in Ames, IA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Ames is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
6.3
Per 1K Jobs
2.17
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 2.2x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.17, Ames, IA demonstrates a market that is more than twice as concentrated with Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may have a readily available pool of talent, but also indicates a strong underlying demand for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,920↓ 9% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,970↓ 6% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,790↓ 6% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,010↓ 6% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↓ 1% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames, IA is $35,040. This typically ranges from $28,230 for entry-level positions to $44,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 8.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($31,920) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
Ames, IA has 6.3 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per 1,000 workers, which is a significant indicator of local employment density for this profession.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.17 mean for cooks in Ames?
A Location Quotient of 2.17 signifies that Ames has a much higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to its workforce size compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Ames affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Ames matches the national average. This means the $35,040 salary has standard purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames?
There are approximately 350 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Ames, IA, forming the local workforce for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 6.3 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA