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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Iowa

Cooks in restaurants across Iowa earn an average annual salary of $35,280. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and the overall cost of living within the state. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for culinary professionals operating in or considering the Iowa market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,420.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,310 individuals in this role, the restaurant cook sector in Iowa demonstrates a significant presence. The location quotient of 0.9 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent within the state's hospitality industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,280

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa earns-6.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17

Weekly

$678

Monthly

$2,940

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Iowa

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,270$11.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,460$12.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,720$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,100$21.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,420$22.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,331

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The nominal average annual salary of $35,280 in Iowa presents a favorable financial picture when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an Iowa-based cook's salary is effectively higher than the raw number might suggest, allowing for a potentially better standard of living.

Job Market Context

13,310

Total Jobs

8.52

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Iowa has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the state is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the demand for restaurant cooks is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low relative to other occupations, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,130↑ 5%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,920↑ 5%37 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,390↓ 3%55 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,820↓ 1%79 mi
Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,490↑ 1%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa is $35,280. This typically ranges from $24,270 for entry-level positions to $47,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 6.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $35,280 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living (89.7) means that the effective purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($37,130) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does Iowa's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa is $35,280, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Iowa?

There are approximately 13,310 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa.

Is the job market for restaurant cooks concentrated in Iowa?

The location quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of restaurant cooks in Iowa is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.

How does the cost of living in Iowa affect a cook's salary?

Iowa's cost of living index is 89.7, which is below the national average. This means that the $35,280 salary earned by cooks in Iowa has greater purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,310 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 8.52 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa