Iowa ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, restaurant pay, trailing top-paying Massachusetts ($46,280) by $10,560 — a 30% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $24,270 to $47,420 — a $23,150 spread, 20% wider than the national $19,330 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $24,270 | $11.67 |
| 25th percentile | $29,960 | $14.41 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,720 | $17.18 |
| 75th percentile | $38,080 | $18.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,420 | $22.80 |
| Mean (average) | $35,280 | $16.96 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $35,720 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $45,230 | +27% |
| Washington | $44,980 | +26% |
| Maine | $44,870 | +26% |
| Hawaii | $44,710 | +25% |
| Vermont | $44,560 | +25% |
| California | $44,290 | +24% |
| New York | $39,890 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $35,730 | 4,980 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $35,650 | 4,200 |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | $36,050 | 1,600 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $35,360 | 280 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,130 | 2,270 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $36,130 | 26,340 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Restaurant salary in Iowa?
The mean cooks, restaurant salary in Iowa is $35,280 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,720 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Iowa?
Entry-level cooks, restaurants (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $24,270 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,960 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Restaurant salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $47,420 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,080 per year.
How does the Iowa Cooks, Restaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Iowa is $35,720, which is -3% below national average of $36,830.