Chef Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The median chef salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.
Chef Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)
Cedar Rapids offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $565 below the Iowa state average of $50,303. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Cedar Rapids spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience
In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Percentile | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Chef in Cedar Rapids
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Cedar Rapids
Browse open chef positions in Cedar Rapids, IA: