Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Ames, IA
The average salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Ames, IA is $33,500. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Ames, IA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.68x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,300.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Ames, IA earns-6.0%below the national average.
$16.1
$644
$2,792
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Historical trend data for Cooks, Short Order in Ames, IA is limited, but current market signals indicate a stable demand environment.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Ames, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $23,960, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $45,300.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,960 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,125 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,880 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,875 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,500 to $33,500.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
1.639
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
90 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Ames, IA.
1.639 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Short Order positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,970↓ 5% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,170↓ 10% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,460↓ 6% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $34,380↑ 3% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Ames, IA is $33,500. This typically ranges from $23,960 for entry-level positions to $45,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 6.0% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, Ames, IA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($33,500), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Cooks, Short Orders. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($31,970) and Northwest 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 90 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 1.639 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA