Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Dubuque, IA
Cooks in Dubuque, IA, earn an average annual salary of $35,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating localized economic factors and demand within the Dubuque culinary scene influence compensation. The specific needs and economic landscape of Dubuque shape the earning potential for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,450.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.79, Dubuque presents a moderately concentrated but stable job market for these professionals. While not exceeding the national concentration, the presence of nearly 440 individuals in this role suggests consistent demand and employment opportunities within the city's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA earns-5.3%below the national average.
$17.2
$687
$2,977
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dubuque's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns over the past four years. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving consumer dining habits typically drive modest salary increases for essential roles like restaurant cooks, reflecting a dynamic labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the career trajectory and increasing value brought by advanced skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,880 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,790 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,760 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,650 | $21.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,450 | $22.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,720 in Dubuque, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against national benchmarks, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
7.486
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Dubuque, IA has 0.79x 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 0.79 for Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of cooks, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↓ 3% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,480↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Madison, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,900↑ 9% | 78 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↓ 4% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Dubuque, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA is $35,720. This typically ranges from $24,880 for entry-level positions to $46,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 5.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Dubuque, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Cooks in Dubuque earn $35,720 annually, which is below the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,820) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does Dubuque's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA is $35,720, which is approximately $1,980 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque is 0.79, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated in Dubuque compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Dubuque affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dubuque's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $35,720 salary in Dubuque has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a city with a cost of living of 100.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for cooks in Dubuque?
There are 7.486 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Dubuque, IA, suggesting a steady presence and demand for these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 7.486 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 Dubuque, IA