Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $31,340. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.39x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,600.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-12.1%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,612
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 $25,500, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,600.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,500 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,505 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,175 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,600 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $31,340 to $31,340.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.36
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Short Order roles compared to the national norm.
120 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
1.36 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,510↑ 4% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,970↑ 2% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,170↓ 4% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,460↑ 0% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $31,340. This typically ranges from $25,500 for entry-level positions to $36,600 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 12.1% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($31,340), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Cooks, Short Orders. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
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 ($32,510) and Southeast 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 120 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 1.36 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA