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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$47,990
Median Annual Salary
▲
+9.8% vs 2024
$52,840
Mean Salary
$47,990
Median Salary
$23.07
Hourly Rate
1,640 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa earn a median salary of $47,990 per year ($3,999/month).
This is 22.5% below the national average of $61,962.
Iowa ranks #49 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 1,640 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries increased by 9.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa range from $36,770 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $74,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $42,620 and $59,380.
Median $47,990
P10: $36,770P25: $42,620P75: $59,380P90: $74,730
10th
$36,770
25th
$42,620
Median
$47,990
75th
$59,380
90th
$74,730
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$36,770
$17.68
$3,064
25th Percentile
$42,620
$20.49
$3,551
Median (50th)
$47,990
$23.07
$3,999
75th Percentile
$59,380
$28.55
$4,948
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$74,730
$35.93
$6,227
Note: The mean (average) salary of $52,840 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa is $47,990 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $52,840.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa range from $36,770 at the 10th percentile to $74,730 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $42,620 and $59,380.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in Iowa typically start around $36,770 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $42,620 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,640 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa is approximately $23.07 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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