Iowa ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $13,700 — a 40% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,140 to $40,410 — a $15,270 spread, 29% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.08 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.08× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $25,140 | $12.09 |
| 25th percentile | $29,680 | $14.27 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| 75th percentile | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,410 | $19.43 |
| Mean (average) | $33,580 | $16.14 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $34,560 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +40% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +37% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +34% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +33% |
| California | $45,680 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +32% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +32% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | $34,640 | 280 |
| School Bus Monitors | $34,180 | 400 |
| Tutors | $34,940 | 630 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $33,950 | 820 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,250 | 23,830 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $35,360 | 280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Iowa?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Iowa is $33,580 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,560 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Iowa?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $25,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,680 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $40,410 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,830 per year.
How does the Iowa Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Iowa is $34,560, which is -5% below national average of $36,450.