Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and potentially lower cost of labor prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions. The specific compensation for this role in this area is influenced by local demand, the cost of living, and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 1,200 individuals in this role, the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The high Location Quotient of 2.81 strongly suggests a robust demand for these professionals, indicating that the job market for cooks in this region is more concentrated than the national average, implying a stable or growing need for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-13.5%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,748
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Northwest Iowa is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and increasing demand for skilled labor typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for positions like institutional and cafeteria cooks, ensuring that their earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living and operational expenses.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for financial advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,070 | $11.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,728 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,900 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,213 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,040 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,970 in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,200
Total Jobs
8.177
Per 1K Jobs
2.81
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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 2.81 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0. This indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the general workforce in the region, suggesting a highly competitive or specialized market where these roles are in greater demand or more prevalent than in other parts of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,040↑ 6% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↑ 5% | 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↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,750↑ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $32,970. This typically ranges from $24,070 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 13.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place based on average salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly below the national average. The high location quotient indicates strong local demand, but this does not translate to higher pay compared to national benchmarks.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,040) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Iowa is $32,970, which is $5,160 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.81 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.81 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Northwest Iowa is 2.81 times higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and potentially more job opportunities relative to the workforce size.
Does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means the local cost of living is exactly average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary of $32,970 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in this area?
There are approximately 1,200 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing 8.177 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.177 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area