Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Cooks in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $34,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower cost of doing business in the region influence compensation for these roles. While not reaching the national benchmark, the salary reflects the demand within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,760.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls region supports a local workforce of 780 Cooks, Restaurant, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 9.137. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of these roles within the local economy. The total workforce size suggests a consistent demand for culinary professionals, providing a solid employment base for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-8.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,866
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living and demand for skilled labor evolve, likely leading to modest increases in average compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,780 | $11.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,793 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,170 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,988 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,760 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $34,390 for Cooks, Restaurant holds its purchasing power comparably to the national median. Therefore, the take-home pay in this region offers a standard level of affordability relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
9.137
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.97x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.97 for Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the demand for cooks is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to other regions. The market is competitive, but not oversaturated, offering steady opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,820↑ 1% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,190↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,200↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,350↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,130↓ 7% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $34,390. This typically ranges from $24,780 for entry-level positions to $46,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 8.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,390 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($34,820) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compare nationally?
With 9.137 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area has a job density for Cooks, Restaurant that is very close to the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 0.97.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is approximately 780 individuals.
Does experience impact salary for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
Yes, like most roles, experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and management experience can command higher wages.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Restaurant?
The cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $34,390 salary provides average purchasing power compared to the rest of the United States.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 9.137 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA