Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,790, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of institutional and cafeteria settings, and the overall cost structure prevalent in nonmetropolitan locales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,040.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 860 individuals. The Location Quotient of 3 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand and a specialized local industry for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-14.0%below the national average.
$15.8
$631
$2,733
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, offering clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,240 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,593 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,720 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,988 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,040 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,790 in Northeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
8.728
Per 1K Jobs
3
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area signifies a market that is substantially more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these specific culinary roles is relatively high within this region, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,040↑ 7% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,570↑ 2% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,750↑ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $32,790. This typically ranges from $26,240 for entry-level positions to $39,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 14.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,040) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 860 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not massive, the concentration indicated by the Location Quotient implies that these roles are a significant part of the local employment landscape, offering consistent opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 3 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 3 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are three times more common in Northeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area than they are across the nation. This indicates a strong regional demand for these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower salary of $32,790 means that the purchasing power of a cook's earnings in this area is less than what they might achieve in higher-paying regions with similar living costs.
Are there many jobs for cooks in this area?
The data indicates 8.728 jobs per 1,000 workers, which suggests a steady presence of cook positions within the local economy, especially considering the high concentration (LQ of 3).
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.728 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 Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area