Chef Salary in Davenport, Iowa
The median chef salary in Davenport, IA is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Chef Pay in Davenport: What to Expect (2026)
Davenport offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $1,696 below the Iowa state average of $50,303. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Davenport spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Davenport by Experience
In Davenport, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Davenport, IA
| Percentile | Davenport |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Chef in Davenport
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Davenport 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 Davenport may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Davenport
Browse open chef positions in Davenport, IA: