Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Iowa
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $33,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of living. The specific demand and compensation structure within Iowa's food service sector contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,410.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,460 individuals in this role, Iowa demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 2.08 indicates a concentration of these jobs nearly twice the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa earns-11.9%below the national average.
$16.1
$646
$2,798
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles that are essential to daily operations in various institutions and food service establishments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Iowa
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,140 | $12.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,185 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,975 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,410 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,436
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $33,580 in Iowa, when viewed against a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (meaning it's 10.3% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary may offer a comparable or even slightly better purchasing power than in higher-cost regions. This makes the lower salary potentially more palatable for residents.
Job Market Context
9,460
Total Jobs
6.059
Per 1K Jobs
2.08
Location Quotient
Iowa has 2.1x 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.
Iowa's Location Quotient of 2.08 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Iowa is more specialized and potentially more competitive for these roles, with a higher proportion of the workforce engaged in this specific culinary field compared to other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,040↑ 4% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,570↓ 0% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↑ 3% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,750↑ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa is $33,580. This typically ranges from $25,140 for entry-level positions to $40,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 11.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While Iowa has a high concentration of these jobs, the average salary of $33,580 is below the national average. However, the lower cost of living may offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,040) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does Iowa's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa is $33,580, which is approximately $4,550 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.08 mean for this role in Iowa?
A Location Quotient of 2.08 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Iowa is more than double the national average, suggesting a higher demand and specialization in this field within the state.
How does the cost of living in Iowa affect the Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa is cheaper than the national average. This means the $33,580 salary may provide a similar or better standard of living compared to a higher salary in a more expensive state.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Iowa?
There are approximately 9,460 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria within Iowa, representing a significant segment of the state's food service workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,460 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 6.059 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 Iowa