Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Iowa City, IA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $34,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or a different cost structure influence compensation in this specific sector within the city. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,150.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 550 individuals in this role, Iowa City presents a substantial, albeit concentrated, employment base for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 2.04 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Iowa City compared to the national average, signaling a robust local demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City, IA earns-8.9%below the national average.
$16.7
$668
$2,896
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Iowa City isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for skilled positions like institutional cooks.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start at the lower percentiles, while senior or head cook roles would command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility, skill, and tenure within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,063 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,230 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,438 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,150 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,750 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Iowa City is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally match the cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
5.917
Per 1K Jobs
2.04
Location Quotient
Iowa City, 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.04 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a strong local industry presence and potentially higher demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, making it a key sector for employment in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↓ 0% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,060↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,570↓ 3% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,330↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,920↓ 8% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City, IA is $34,750. This typically ranges from $26,140 for entry-level positions to $41,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 8.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $34,750 is below the national average of $38,130. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.04) indicates strong local demand.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,610) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the Iowa City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City, IA is $34,750, which is $3,380 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.04 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 2.04 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Iowa City is more than double the national average, suggesting a high demand and specialized market for these roles locally.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Iowa City's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $34,750 salary has average purchasing power locally, neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the cost of living.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Iowa City?
There are approximately 550 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa City, IA, representing a significant portion of the local culinary workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 5.917 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 City, IA