Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for these roles. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region significantly influence compensation levels for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,510.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Iowa appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 650 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.04 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-13.4%below the national average.
$15.9
$635
$2,751
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 Southwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely be influenced by factors such as increasing food costs, evolving labor market dynamics, and any shifts in the demand for institutional and cafeteria services within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and dedication within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,460 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,758 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,850 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,263 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,510 | $19 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,010 in Southwest Iowa 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 is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
8.835
Per 1K Jobs
3.04
Location Quotient
Southwest 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.04, Southwest Iowa boasts a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than three times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable job market for individuals in this profession.
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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,010. This typically ranges from $26,460 for entry-level positions to $39,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 13.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,010 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 prospects?
A local workforce of 650 indicates a significant pool of existing professionals, which can mean both competition for jobs and a stable industry presence.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.04 mean for cooks?
It signifies that jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are 3.04 times more concentrated in this area than the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially high-demand sector.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $33,010 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $33,010 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it's neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of real value.
Are there many job openings for cooks in this region?
The high Location Quotient suggests a strong presence and demand for these roles relative to the national average, implying a healthy number of opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.835 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area