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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Iowa

Cooks, Short Order in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $32,700, which is slightly below the national average of $35,650. This difference is often influenced by the state's unique economic landscape and the specific demand for these roles within Iowa's culinary sector. Localized economic factors and the cost of doing business play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential food service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,530.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,680 Cooks, Short Order and a Location Quotient of 1.1, Iowa demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for short-order cooks within the state. The presence of a workforce of this size indicates a consistent need for these professionals across various food service establishments.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,700

The average Cooks, Short Order in Iowa earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$629

Monthly

$2,725

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Iowa

Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,930$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,525$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,520$15.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,875$19.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,530$19

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,455

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The nominal average salary of $32,700 in Iowa for Cooks, Short Order is considerably bolstered by the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an Iowa salary is greater than its face value suggests. Therefore, the $32,700 earned can translate into a comfortable lifestyle, with housing, utilities, and everyday expenses being more affordable than in many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

1,680

Total Jobs

1.073

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Iowa has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Short Order roles compared to the national norm.

Iowa's Location Quotient of 1.1 for Cooks, Short Order indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and perhaps even a bit more robust than in some other states, the market is not oversaturated. It implies a healthy balance where employers are actively seeking these professionals, and there are sufficient opportunities for qualified individuals to find employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary$33,500↑ 2%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary$34,380↑ 5%37 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary$31,340↓ 4%55 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary$32,510↓ 1%79 mi
Iowa City, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary$33,290↑ 2%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Iowa is $32,700. This typically ranges from $24,930 for entry-level positions to $39,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 8.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $32,700 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living (89.7) means your earnings can stretch further. This makes the overall financial picture more favorable than the nominal salary might suggest.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($33,500) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Short Order in Iowa?

Based on the average annual salary of $32,700 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook, Short Order in Iowa is around $15.72.

How does experience affect a Short Order Cook's salary in Iowa?

Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks may earn closer to minimum wage, while experienced chefs with specialized skills or supervisory roles can earn considerably more, potentially reaching into the $40,000s or higher.

Are there many job openings for Cooks, Short Order in Iowa?

With a Location Quotient of 1.1 and a local workforce of 1,680, there is a consistent demand for Cooks, Short Order in Iowa, indicating a stable job market with available opportunities.

How does Iowa's cost of living compare to other states for food service workers?

Iowa's cost of living is 10.3% lower than the national average, making it an economically advantageous location for Cooks, Short Order. This allows their salaries to have greater purchasing power compared to states with higher living expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,680 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 1.073 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa