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Cooks (Restaurant) Salary in Iowa

Cooks (Restaurant) in Iowa earn a median of $35,670 a year, −5% compared with the U.S. median.

Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers

Median pay
$35,670
vs. U.S. median
−5% ($37,390)
Rank among states
38 of 51
Jobs in the state
12,270

Pay range in Iowa

The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,690; the top 10% earn over $44,460. Nationally the range is $28,700 to $47,900.

States ranked near Iowa

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Similar jobs in Iowa

Cooks (Restaurant) pay in Iowa

How much do cooks (restaurant) make in Iowa?

The median is $35,670 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,690 and the top 10% earn over $44,460. BLS OEWS May 2025.

Is Iowa a good state for cooks (restaurant)?

On pay alone it ranks 38 of 51 (−5% vs. the national median of $37,390). Living costs are not included.

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Sources. Pay and employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national and state files). Pay is not adjusted for living costs. Data Sources & Licenses