📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food Cook Salary in Iowa (2026)

Iowa · 14.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$26,041
per year
Median
$24,321
per year
Hourly
$12.52
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$19,118
25th Percentile — Junior$22,386
50th Percentile — Median$24,321
75th Percentile — Senior$29,739
90th Percentile — Top Earners$31,870
💡 Top-earning Fast Food Cooks in Iowa make up to $31,870 per year. The job market in Iowa is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$23.0k
2021
$23.6k
2022
$24.2k
2023
$24.8k
2024
$25.4k
2025
$26.0k
2026
📈 Fast Food Cook salaries in Iowa have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Iowa's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fast Food Cook Salary by City in Iowa
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Des Moines $22,916 -12.0% High
🔍
Fast Food Cook Job Market in Iowa
Key factors affecting compensation

Iowa is home to a moderate job market for Fast Food Cooks. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $26,041 per year, Iowa's Fast Food Cook salaries are 14.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Iowa (index: 0.86) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Iowa can expect to earn $19,118–$22,386, while experienced Fast Food Cooks can command $29,739–$31,870.

Looking ahead, the Fast Food Cook profession in Iowa is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fast Food Cook salary in Iowa is $26,041 per year in 2026, which is 14.0% below the national average of $30,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Fast Food Cooks the highest wages in Iowa due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Iowa has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance. Opportunities exist in for Fast Food Cook employment.
  • At $26,041/year, Iowa Fast Food Cook salaries are 14.0% lower than the national average of $30,280/year.