Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $33,570. This figure is below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and the specific demand within the region influence compensation for this role. The cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is precisely at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is standard.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,390.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.29, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates a higher prevalence of these roles relative to the national distribution. With a local workforce of 570 individuals in this profession, the demand appears robust and potentially growing within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-12.0%below the national average.
$16.1
$646
$2,798
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving wage regulations likely contribute to incremental salary growth in this sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,490 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,178 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,410 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,963 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,390 | $19.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,570 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a standard purchasing power, neither significantly enhancing nor diminishing one's financial standing compared to the national average. Relocating here would not present an immediate cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage based on this salary.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
6.657
Per 1K Jobs
2.29
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.29 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, signifies a market with a significantly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors this profession, making it a more prominent career field within the region compared to other areas across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,610↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,920↓ 5% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,970↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,790↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,010↓ 2% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $33,570. This typically ranges from $24,490 for entry-level positions to $41,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 $33,570 is below the national average of $38,130. The high concentration suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,610) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is $33,570, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.29?
An LQ of 2.29 indicates that the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area has 2.29 times the number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per worker compared to the national average, suggesting a higher concentration of these roles locally.
How does the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $33,570 salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls offers standard purchasing power, neither significantly better nor worse than the national median.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 570 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 6.657 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Production Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA