Iowa ranks 50th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $37,510 — a 86% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,960 to $71,460 — a $41,500 spread, 31% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,960 | $14.40 |
| 25th percentile | $35,530 | $17.08 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,690 | $21.00 |
| 75th percentile | $58,860 | $28.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $71,460 | $34.35 |
| Mean (average) | $48,630 | $23.38 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $43,690 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +86% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +81% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +75% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +69% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +63% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +60% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +59% |
| California | $66,780 | +53% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $43,670 | 5,260 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,900 | 7,460 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $43,910 | 8,940 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $44,000 | 12,320 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,370 | 32,150 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $44,040 | 700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Iowa?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Iowa is $48,630 per year. The median (middle) salary is $43,690 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Iowa?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $29,960 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,530 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $71,460 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $58,860 per year.
How does the Iowa Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Iowa is $43,690, which is -28% below national average of $60,990.