Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks in this specific region. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of regional economic factors and the cost of labor within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,550.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Iowa is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,360 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.33 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-16.3%below the national average.
$15.4
$614
$2,660
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 Southeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would align with broader wage adjustments seen across the food service industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, individuals can expect to see their salaries rise, with significant percentile gaps between the lower and upper ends of the pay scale indicating substantial earning potential for seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,560 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,940 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,240 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,900 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,550 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,920 in Southeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the income.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
6.762
Per 1K Jobs
2.33
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.33, the market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Iowa is highly concentrated. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce, indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable landscape for job seekers in this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,040↑ 10% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,570↑ 5% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↑ 8% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,750↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $31,920. This typically ranges from $24,560 for entry-level positions to $37,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 16.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $31,920 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa is $31,920, which is approximately $6,210 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.33 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 2.33 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Southeast Iowa is more than double the national average, indicating a specialized and in-demand sector within the region.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Southeast Iowa?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa is 100, which is the national average. This means the $31,920 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,360 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.762 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area