Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Iowa City, IA
Cooks in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $35,490, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay is influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Iowa City metropolitan area, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics of this Midwestern city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,100 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.26, Iowa City demonstrates a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals within the area, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City, IA earns-5.9%below the national average.
$17.1
$683
$2,958
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This typical upward trajectory in compensation is often driven by increasing demand, rising operational costs for establishments, and the need to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The observed range in earnings signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local culinary scene.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,780 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,618 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,880 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,363 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,840 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,490 in Iowa City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Iowa City is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
11.89
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Iowa City, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are 26% more concentrated in Iowa City than the national average. This suggests a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these roles within the local job market, making it a relatively abundant field for employment compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,480↓ 3% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↓ 3% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,720↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,190↓ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City, IA is $35,490. This typically ranges from $28,780 for entry-level positions to $46,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 5.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately so, offering average national purchasing power.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, resulting in comparable purchasing power. The higher concentration of jobs suggests good opportunities.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,820) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City compare nationally?
Iowa City has approximately 11.89 Cooks, Restaurant per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City?
A Location Quotient of 1.26 means that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Iowa City is 26% higher than the national average, suggesting a more specialized local market for these roles.
Does the cost of living in Iowa City affect the value of a Cook's salary?
No, the cost of living in Iowa City is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $35,490 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa City?
With a total local workforce of 1,100 and a Location Quotient above 1, the job market in Iowa City appears to offer a good number of opportunities for Cooks, Restaurant.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 11.89 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 Iowa City, IA