Cooks, Fast Food pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for cooks, fast food is $14.60 an hour ($30,360 a year). About 1,980 people work in this job there.
That is 2% lower than the U.S. median ($30,890). It is 6% higher than the Iowa median ($28,510).
Pay range for cooks, fast food in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $7.76 | $16,140 |
| 25% of workers | $11.46 | $23,830 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.60 | $30,360 |
| 75% of workers | $17.27 | $35,920 |
| 90% of workers | $21.05 | $43,780 |
Cooks, Fast Food pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $30,460 | 790 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $30,360 | 1,980 |
| Dubuque | $29,500 | 290 |
| Iowa City | $29,200 | 440 |
| Cedar Rapids | $29,040 | 490 |
| Sioux City | $28,390 | 480 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cooks, fast food
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.6% over ten years, little or no change · about 86,400 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,140 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,070 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,320 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.