Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. The lower compensation in this region is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and the prevailing wage structures in nonmetropolitan areas, which may differ significantly from urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 920 individuals in this role, the restaurant cook sector in Northwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area exhibits a moderate presence. The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not overly saturated job market for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.9%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,767
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a gradual upward trajectory in earnings, though the pace of increase may vary based on local economic conditions and demand.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
For Cooks, Restaurant, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as one moves from junior to senior roles within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,820 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,900 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,030 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,500 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,270 | $18.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,200 in Northwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services in this region is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
6.28
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.67x 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 0.67 indicates that the occupation of Cooks, Restaurant is less prevalent in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not as saturated, potentially offering a more competitive environment for job seekers looking to secure positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,130↑ 12% | 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↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 7% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,200. This typically ranges from $22,820 for entry-level positions to $39,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $33,200 is below the national average, and the occupation is less concentrated than the national average, indicating lower demand and potentially less competitive compensation.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($37,130) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.28 jobs per 1,000 workers, this rate is lower than the national average, suggesting fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce size in this specific region.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
A Location Quotient of 0.67 means that this occupation is 33% less concentrated in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, implying a smaller industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living affect the Cooks, Restaurant salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $33,200 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary of $37,700 would have in a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the total workforce size for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
There are approximately 920 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing the total local workforce for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.28 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area