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.