Chef Salary in Sioux City, Iowa
The median chef salary in Sioux City, IA is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.
Chef Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)
Sioux City offers a median chef salary of $47,477, which is $2,826 below the Iowa state average of $50,303. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,477 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Sioux City spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $82,152 at the 90th percentile — a $54,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Sioux City by Experience
In Sioux City, an entry-level chef earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA
| Percentile | Sioux City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,888 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,448 |
| Median (50th) | $47,477 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,152 |
Chef Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Chef in Sioux City
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Sioux City 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 Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Sioux City
Browse open chef positions in Sioux City, IA: