Creative & Education Des Moines, IA
Pop. 214,133
Chef Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median chef salary in Des Moines, IA is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
City Median
$51,998
vs State Avg
+$1,695
vs National
$-4,522
Cost of Living
92%
Chef Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,544 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,824 |
| Median (50th) | $51,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,976 |
Chef Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Chef in Des Moines
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open chef positions in Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Des Moines
How much does a Chef make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median chef salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $89,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,998, a chef in Des Moines earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for chef pay? ▼
Des Moines's median chef salary of $51,998 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $50,303. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $51,998 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Des Moines? ▼
Most chef positions in Des Moines require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.