Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Ames, IA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Ames, IA · 80 employed
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Ames, IA is $49,600 per year. The middle 50% of Chefs and Head Cookss earn between $35,020 and $60,270. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $72,070 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $30,550. The median of $43,870 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Breakdown in Ames, IA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $30,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,020 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $43,870 |
| Mean (Average) | $49,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,270 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $72,070 |
Related Jobs in Ames, IA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $43,190 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,130 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $35,040 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $33,500 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $31,700 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $31,530 |
Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $97,850 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $90,910 |
| Napa, CA | $82,440 |
| Providence, RI | $81,590 |
| San Jose, CA | $79,730 |
| Morgantown, WV | $79,100 |
| Naples, FL | $78,070 |
| Boston, MA | $77,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Ames, IA?
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Ames, IA is $49,600 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Ames, IA?
The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Ames, IA is $43,870 per year. Half of Chefs and Head Cookss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss make in Ames, IA?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss in Ames, IA typically earn around $30,550 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $35,020.
What do the highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss earn in Ames, IA?
The highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss in Ames, IA earn $72,070 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $60,270.
How many Chefs and Head Cookss work in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 80 Chefs and Head Cookss employed in the Ames, IA area, per BLS OEWS.