Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,130, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services in nonmetropolitan settings, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating in these areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,440.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 430 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.63, the job market for Cooks in Southwest Iowa appears less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the region, indicating a moderate job market robustness.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-14.8%below the national average.
$15.5
$618
$2,678
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Southwest Iowa have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This incremental increase would aim to keep pace with rising operational costs and attract a consistent pool of talent to the region's food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Southwest Iowa would signify the earning potential and career advancement opportunities available to dedicated culinary professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,800 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,098 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,490 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,163 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,440 | $19 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,130 in Southwest 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 income is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
5.918
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.63x 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 0.63 indicates that Cooks are less concentrated in Southwest Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the region, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for new entrants but also fewer specialized opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,130↑ 16% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,920↑ 15% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↑ 8% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 10% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $32,130. This typically ranges from $21,800 for entry-level positions to $39,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 14.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,130 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, and the lower concentration suggests less demand relative to other regions.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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?
Cooks in Southwest Iowa earn an average of $32,130 annually, which is approximately $5,570 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks in Southwest Iowa compared to the rest of the country?
The Location Quotient of 0.63 indicates that Cooks are less concentrated in Southwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a smaller presence relative to the overall workforce.
Does the Cost of Living affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses compared to more expensive regions.
How many Cooks are employed in Southwest Iowa?
There are approximately 430 individuals employed as Cooks in the Southwest 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 430 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.918 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area