Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA · 1,720 employed
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Des Moines, IA is $34,700 per year. The middle 50% of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn between $30,330 and $37,800. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $44,050 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $23,300. The median of $35,360 is below the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Breakdown in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $23,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,330 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $35,360 |
| Mean (Average) | $34,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,800 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $44,050 |
Related Jobs in Des Moines, IA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $53,780 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $43,800 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $35,040 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $34,380 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $32,730 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $55,940 |
| Seattle, WA | $52,380 |
| San Jose, CA | $52,270 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,710 |
| New Haven, CT | $50,580 |
| Napa, CA | $50,190 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $50,020 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $49,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Des Moines, IA?
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Des Moines, IA is $34,700 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Des Moines, IA?
The median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Des Moines, IA is $35,360 per year. Half of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias make in Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Des Moines, IA typically earn around $23,300 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $30,330.
What do the highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn in Des Moines, IA?
The highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Des Moines, IA earn $44,050 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $37,800.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias work in Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 1,720 Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area, per BLS OEWS.