Restaurant Cook Salary in Iowa
Based on 12K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$35,670
$17.15/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $44K
12K employed in Iowa
The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Iowa is $35,670 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 5.3% lower than the national average for this profession. With over 12,270 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant part of Iowa's food service industry.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Iowa. These include the specific type of establishment, such as fine dining versus casual eateries, the cost of living in different cities within Iowa, and the cook's years of experience and specialized culinary skills. Location and the demand for skilled kitchen staff also play a role in determining earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,690 |
| 25th percentile | $30,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,670 |
| 75th percentile | $38,180 |
| 90th percentile | $44,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,740 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,670 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,740 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $38,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,460 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IA | $28,390 | -20.4% | $13.65/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in IA | $21,000 | -41.1% | $10.10/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | +0.0% | $17.15/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IA | $36,080 | +1.1% | $17.35/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IA | $36,640 | +2.7% | $17.62/hr |
| Security Guard in IA | $37,080 | +4.0% | $17.83/hr |
| Receptionist in IA | $37,330 | +4.7% | $17.95/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IA | $39,350 | +10.3% | $18.92/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in IA | $39,630 | +11.1% | $19.05/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IA | $31,360 | -12.1% | $15.08/hr |
| Cashier in IA | $28,970 | -18.8% | $13.93/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in IA | $44,860 | +25.8% | $21.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Iowa?
- In Iowa, the salary for a Restaurant Cook typically falls between $28,690 and $44,460 annually. The median salary stands at $35,670 per year, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings.
How does the Restaurant Cook salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Iowa is 5.3% lower than the national average. This means that on average, cooks in Iowa earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Iowa?
- Restaurant Cooks in Iowa can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $17. This hourly rate aligns with the annual median salary of $35,670.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 12,270 Restaurant Cooks employed throughout Iowa. This indicates a substantial number of opportunities within the culinary sector across the state.