Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $17.46 an hour ($36,320 a year). About 1,670 people work in this job there.
That is 3% lower than the U.S. median ($37,450). It is about the same as the Iowa median ($35,810).
Pay range for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.56 | $28,200 |
| 25% of workers | $15.59 | $32,420 |
| Half of workers (median) | $17.46 | $36,320 |
| 75% of workers | $18.62 | $38,730 |
| 90% of workers | $21.78 | $45,290 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Dubuque | $36,890 | 290 |
| Iowa City | $36,670 | 510 |
| Ames | $36,540 | 380 |
| Cedar Rapids | $36,410 | 770 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $36,320 | 1,670 |
| Sioux City | $36,030 | 360 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $35,740 | 840 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $35,680 | 500 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cooks, institution and cafeteria
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2.8% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 62,900 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 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $42,650 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,360 |
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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.