Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cooks in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average annual salary of $34,820. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting localized economic factors and the specific demand within the Cedar Rapids culinary scene. While not reaching the national benchmark, the pay is influenced by the cost of living and the concentration of restaurant establishments in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,370.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,280 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.97, Cedar Rapids presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for this profession compared to the national average. The presence of nearly 10 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary professionals, suggesting a robust employment landscape for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-7.6%below the national average.
$16.7
$670
$2,902
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased consumer spending on dining, and a general rise in the cost of labor likely contribute to upward pressure on wages within the sector.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids 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 experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from novice to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,930 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,115 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,770 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,525 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,370 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,820 in Cedar Rapids aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for relocating cooks.
Job Market Context
1,280
Total Jobs
9.174
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.97x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids is very close to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a balanced level of competition and opportunity for individuals seeking employment in this field within the city.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↓ 1% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,720↑ 3% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,480↓ 1% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,190↓ 5% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, IA is $34,820. This typically ranges from $24,930 for entry-level positions to $45,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 7.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,820 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($35,490) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the Cedar Rapids Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids is $34,820, which is approximately 7.6% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating that the proportion of Cooks, Restaurant in Cedar Rapids is very similar to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Cedar Rapids affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cedar Rapids is at the national average. This means the $34,820 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in Cedar Rapids?
There are approximately 1,280 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Cedar Rapids, IA, contributing to the local culinary workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 9.174 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 Cedar Rapids, IA