Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Ames, IA
Cooks in Ames, IA earn an average annual salary of $37,130. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Ames's culinary scene. While the nominal pay is close to the national benchmark, the cost of living in Ames plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,110.
- Outlook: Ames, IA supports a local workforce of 640 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.21, the concentration of these jobs in Ames is higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for culinary professionals in the area. The presence of 11.361 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significance of this sector within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA earns-1.5%below the national average.
$17.9
$714
$3,094
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for skilled trades and service industry roles.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles signify substantial career progression opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,100 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,848 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,310 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,413 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,110 | $24.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,130 in Ames, IA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in Ames holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Ames as a cook would not present a significant change in lifestyle based purely on the cost of goods and services relative to income.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
11.361
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.21 for Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA indicates that this profession is more concentrated in Ames than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand for cooks within the local job market, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment compared to areas with a lower concentration. Employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent in this slightly more concentrated field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,190↓ 11% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,200↓ 11% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,350↓ 10% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,130↓ 13% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,920↓ 1% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA is $37,130. This typically ranges from $29,100 for entry-level positions to $50,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 1.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it's on par with the national average.While the average salary of $37,130 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Ames is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The higher-than-average concentration of jobs suggests good opportunity, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($33,190) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Ames compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA is $37,130, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA has a Location Quotient of 1.21 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the cook's salary?
Ames, IA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $37,130 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 640 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Ames, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 11.361 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA