Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles outside of major urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in dictating compensation levels for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,250.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,390 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the job market in Southeast Iowa indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the absolute number of workers suggests a stable presence, the concentration ratio implies that the demand, while present, is not disproportionately high, suggesting a steady but not rapidly expanding job market for cooks in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-12.0%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,766
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this granular region is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth, however, may be tempered by local economic conditions and the specific demand within the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Experience significantly influences earning potential for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership experience can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with advancing through different levels of culinary expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,000 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,893 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,120 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,488 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,250 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,190 for Cooks in Southeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a national-average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively translates to a comparable standard of living in terms of basic expenses.
Job Market Context
1,390
Total Jobs
6.904
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x 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 0.73 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Iowa suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a demand for cooks, the market is not saturated, and the availability of these jobs is relatively proportional to the overall workforce, suggesting a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,190. This typically ranges from $22,000 for entry-level positions to $43,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 12.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $33,190 is below the national average of $37,700, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($37,130) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the Southeast Iowa salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Southeast Iowa earn an average of $33,190 annually, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Southeast Iowa compared to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the typical U.S. location.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Southeast Iowa?
There are approximately 1,390 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant concentrated in Southeast Iowa?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs is slightly lower than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,390 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.904 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area