Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Cooks in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $34,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,050.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,720 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.46, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within institutional and cafeteria settings in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.0%below the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,892
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 reflect this career ladder, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,300 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,025 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,360 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,375 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,050 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,700 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the 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 comparable.
Job Market Context
1,720
Total Jobs
4.242
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.46 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Des Moines-West Des Moines signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment, as there are more jobs per capita for this role compared to the rest of the United States.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,040↑ 1% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,920↓ 8% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,970↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,790↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,010↓ 5% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $34,700. This typically ranges from $23,300 for entry-level positions to $44,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is below the national average. The strong concentration of roles indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,040) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 4.242 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area has a higher density of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria positions compared to the national average, indicating a more prevalent job market for this role locally.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,720 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Des Moines?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary determination. Senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and management experience can expect to earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the local salary compare to the national average salary for this job?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $34,700, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,720 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 4.242 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA