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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cooks in Iowa is $35,131 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Cooks's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cooks Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,968 | $3,247 | $749 | $19 |
| Average | $35,131 | $2,928 | $676 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,198 | $2,600 | $600 | $15 |
IHOP 5424 Sioux City - Sioux City, IA
Rastrelli's Restaurant - Clinton, IA
Taco John's - Bremer Restaurant Management - Council Bluffs, IA
Great River Resort & Casino - Burlington, IA
A Cooks's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cooks's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cooks | $34,748 |
| Intermediate Level Cooks | $35,021 |
| Senior Level Cooks | $35,568 |
| Specialist Level Cooks | $36,381 |
| Expert Level Cooks | $37,490 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Cooks roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cooks positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cooks as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $45,670 | $22.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $43,913 | $21.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $42,157 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $40,400 | $19.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $38,644 | $19.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cooks's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,968 | $3,247 | $749 | $19 |
| Average | $35,131 | $2,928 | $676 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,198 | $2,600 | $600 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cooks job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Great River Resort & Casino
Mount Pleasant, IA
Great River Resort & Casino | Mount Pleasant, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $16.50 - $17.50 per hour (including premium pay) with 40 (full-time) / 20 (part-time) hours of Paid Time Off upon hi... more
8 Days Ago
Five Pillars Hospitality LLC
Grimes, IA
Five Pillars Hospitality LLC | Grimes, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Orlondos Pizza. is looking for skilled, passionate, and dependable. Line Cooks. to join our kitchen crew. While we’re fam... more
7 Days Ago
Mount Sinai Health System
ELMHURST, NY
Mount Sinai Health System | ELMHURST, NY
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai affiliated with New York City H + H/Elmhurst has an exciting opportunity for an Attending Anesthesiologist. Elm... more
2 Months Ago
Specialized Physical Therapy
CENTENNIAL, CO
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Pelvic Floor/Ortho Split Physical Therapist: Centennial. Starting at $80,000 (depending on experience, schedule, and pelvic health expertise). Sign-on/Relo... more
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Salam School
MILWAUKEE, WI
Salam School | MILWAUKEE, WI
Information Technology Staff/Teacher. Salam School is an NCA CASI-accredited, college-preparatory Islamic school whose enrollment is reaching 1500-plus stu... more
14 Days Ago
The Hirexpress LLC
SIDNEY, MT
The Hirexpress LLC | SIDNEY, MT
Registered Nurse (Post Partum, Obstetrics RN, Nursery, Labor and Delivery Nurse). Location:- Sidney, MT. Contract position for 13 weeks with possible exten... more
7 Days Ago
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