Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles in nonmetropolitan settings likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role, the concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.74, suggests that Cooks are slightly less prevalent in Northeast Iowa compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this level of employment suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.5%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,779
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Northeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely be modest, influenced by local economic conditions and the overall demand for food service professionals in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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 salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,720 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,013 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,688 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,580 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,350 in Northeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
6.971
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.74x 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 0.74 indicates that Cooks are employed in Northeast Iowa at a rate 26% lower than the national average. This suggests that the job market for Cooks in this region is less concentrated and potentially less competitive than in national metropolitan areas, offering a different dynamic for job seekers compared to high-demand urban centers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,130↑ 11% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,920↑ 11% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↑ 4% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,350. This typically ranges from $22,720 for entry-level positions to $42,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks.The average salary of $33,350 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal pay suggests less financial upside compared to other regions.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($37,130) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Northeast Iowa is $33,350, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for Cooks in this area?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with 6.971 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.74, indicating slightly less prevalence than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $33,350 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many Cooks are employed in Northeast Iowa?
There are approximately 690 Cooks employed in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.971 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area