Creative & Education Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Chef Salary in Iowa

The median chef salary in Iowa is $50,303 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$50,303
vs National
$-6,217
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Chef Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level chef earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $29,548
25th Percentile $37,558
Median (50th) $50,303
75th Percentile $66,750
90th Percentile $87,042

Major Cities for Chefs in Iowa

The largest employment areas for chefs in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Des Moines, IA
Metro area for chef employment
Cedar Rapids, IA
Metro area for chef employment
Davenport, IA
Metro area for chef employment
Sioux City, IA
Metro area for chef employment
Iowa City, IA
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in Iowa

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.