Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Cooks in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $36,920. 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 the Des Moines metropolitan area for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,210.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 3,650 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines shows a healthy, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these roles. This suggests a stable demand for culinary talent, with the local industry employing a significant number of professionals relative to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-2.1%below the national average.
$17.8
$710
$3,077
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,750 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,430 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,150 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,210 | $23.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,920 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary is adequate for maintaining a standard of living relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,650
Total Jobs
8.999
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.96x 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 0.96 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in oversupply, making it a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,130↑ 1% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,190↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,200↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,350↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,130↓ 13% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $36,920. This typically ranges from $25,750 for entry-level positions to $48,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 2.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the compensation relatively balanced.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($37,130) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.999 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area has a slightly lower concentration of restaurant cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a slightly less dense job market in this specific role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks, Restaurant in Des Moines?
An LQ of 0.96 means that the Des Moines-West Des Moines area has 96% of the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This indicates a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution, suggesting consistent demand.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Des Moines?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary for cooks. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while experienced chefs with specialized skills and a proven track record can earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
How does the Des Moines salary compare to other major Iowa cities?
While specific data for other Iowa cities isn't provided, the Des Moines-West Des Moines average salary of $36,920 serves as a benchmark. Salaries in other Iowa locations may vary based on local economic conditions, cost of living, and the density of the restaurant industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,650 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 8.999 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA