Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Short Order Cooks earn an average annual salary of $34,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,650, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially the cost of labor influence compensation in this region. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local economic landscape is key to interpreting this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,820.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 360 Short Order Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is just shy of the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 0.892 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces a consistent, albeit moderate, job market for this profession within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-3.6%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,865
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Short Order Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and a competitive labor market typically drive incremental salary increases for roles like this, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and industry standards.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Short Order Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression, with senior cooks often earning substantially higher wages than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,050 | $11.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,785 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,670 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,975 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,820 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,380 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Des Moines-West Des Moines as a Short Order Cook would likely result in a comparable standard of living in terms of daily expenses.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.892
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market for Short Order Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the national distribution. It indicates a steady demand for these culinary professionals without an overwhelming surplus or scarcity of workers, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $33,500↓ 3% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,970↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,170↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,460↓ 8% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $34,380. This typically ranges from $24,050 for entry-level positions to $45,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 3.6% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary of $34,380 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a stable job market without significantly higher pay than other regions.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($33,500) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average for Short Order Cooks?
The average annual salary for Short Order Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $34,380, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,650.
What is the concentration of Short Order Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient for Short Order Cooks in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 0.91, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is just below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines affect the Short Order Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average. This means the $34,380 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average for this role.
What does the job market look like for Short Order Cooks in this area?
The job market is stable, with 360 local workers and a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting consistent demand without extreme competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.892 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA