Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Dubuque, IA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Dubuque, IA, earn an average annual salary of $34,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this Midwestern city. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is key to evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,590.
- Outlook: Dubuque, IA, hosts a local workforce of 340 individuals in the Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria sector. With a Location Quotient of 1.96, this indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand or a specialized industry presence that supports a higher proportion of these jobs within the overall employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dubuque, IA earns-10.0%below the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,861
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Dubuque is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained demand for food services.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dubuque, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary and management skills can command significantly higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,500 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,748 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,670 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,913 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,590 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,330 in Dubuque, IA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Dubuque is comparable to the national average, indicating that the local cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
5.711
Per 1K Jobs
1.96
Location Quotient
Dubuque, IA has 2.0x 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.
Dubuque, IA, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.96. This figure, more than double the national average, suggests that this profession is a more significant component of the local job market than it is nationally, potentially indicating specialized demand from local institutions or a higher density of food service operations relative to other employment sectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↑ 1% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,060↓ 1% | 65 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,750↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Madison, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,400↑ 21% | 78 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,570↓ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Dubuque, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dubuque, IA is $34,330. This typically ranges from $22,500 for entry-level positions to $41,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 10.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Dubuque, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary of $34,330 is below the national average of $38,130. The Cost of Living Index being at the national average means the lower salary doesn't benefit from a lower cost of living.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,610) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of local jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 5.711 jobs per 1,000 workers, Dubuque, IA, has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national average, reinforcing the indication of specialized local demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Dubuque?
An LQ of 1.96 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are nearly twice as concentrated in Dubuque, IA, as they are across the United States, suggesting a strong local presence and potential demand for these professionals.
Does Dubuque, IA offer a competitive job market for institutional cooks?
The high Location Quotient suggests a competitive or at least a well-established market for institutional cooks in Dubuque, indicating that employers may have a steady pool of local talent to draw from.
How does the average salary compare to the cost of living in Dubuque?
The average salary of $34,330 in Dubuque, IA, is directly aligned with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard for the nation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 5.711 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 Dubuque, IA