Cook Cook Salary in Waterloo, IA

Cook Salary in Waterloo, IA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Cook make in Waterloo, IA?

The average salary for a Cook is $31,996 per year in Waterloo, IA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, showing an average salary of $31,996 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, showing an average salary of $2,666 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, showing an average salary of $615 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, showing an average salary of $15 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Waterloo, IA, Cooks earn an average yearly salary of $31,996. The pay for Cooks can vary based on experience and the type of establishment they work for. Those starting out might earn around $26,000, while experienced Cooks can make up to $38,950.

The salary distribution shows that most Cooks in Waterloo earn between $29,532 and $35,418 each year. Only a small number of Cooks make less than $28,355 or more than $36,595 annually. The data indicates that a significant portion of Cooks, about 27.14%, earn between $31,886 and $33,064 a year. This range shows the typical earnings for those in this profession within the region.

Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA
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What are the highest paying cities for a Cook near Waterloo, IA?

Job seekers interested in Cook positions near Waterloo, IA, should consider nearby cities with higher average salaries. North Liberty offers an average salary of $35,444, making it a strong option. Des Moines, another major city, provides an average salary of $35,433. These nearby cities provide better compensation opportunities for cooks.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Cook jobs near Waterloo, IA, highlighting North Liberty, IA with the highest at $35,444 and Ames, IA with the lowest at $33,678.

  1. North Liberty, IA
    Average Salary: $35,444
    In North Liberty, working as a cook means enjoying a close-knit community atmosphere. Local restaurants and cafes value fresh ingredients and quality service. Popular spots like Farmstead Table and Vine Street Café offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in North Liberty, IA


  2. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $35,433
    Des Moines offers a vibrant culinary scene with many well-known restaurants. Cooks here enjoy diverse cuisines and a chance to work with skilled chefs. Companies like Prairie Dynamics and 801 Grand provide excellent environments for culinary talent.
    Find Cook jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Sioux City, IA
    Average Salary: $35,412
    In Sioux City, cooks can find a mix of traditional and modern dining options. The area's friendly vibe makes for a pleasant work environment. Restaurants such as The Ice Cream Parlor and Prairie Rose are great places to gain experience.
    Find Cook jobs in Sioux City, IA


  4. Decorah, IA
    Average Salary: $35,008
    Decorah is a charming town known for its arts and culture. Cooks here enjoy a slower pace but with high-quality dining experiences. The Heritage Cafe and Prairie Fire Restaurant offer unique culinary challenges and growth opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Decorah, IA


  5. West Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $34,591
    West Des Moines has a growing number of upscale dining options. Cooks can develop their skills in a sophisticated setting. High-end restaurants like The French Press and Wildwood’s offer exciting career paths.
    Find Cook jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  6. Ankeny, IA
    Average Salary: $34,578
    Ankeny's dining scene is expanding, providing many job opportunities for cooks. Local eateries and chains alike value skilled culinary professionals. Working at spots like Saffron and The Black Angus Steakhouse can be rewarding.
    Find Cook jobs in Ankeny, IA


  7. Iowa City, IA
    Average Salary: $34,327
    Iowa City’s diverse food culture offers many opportunities for cooks. With a strong university presence, there is a demand for fresh and innovative dishes. Restaurants such as Café Hollander and the Englert offer dynamic culinary environments.
    Find Cook jobs in Iowa City, IA


  8. Council Bluffs, IA
    Average Salary: $34,235
    Council Bluffs provides a range of culinary experiences for cooks. The city’s laid-back atmosphere allows for a comfortable work environment. Local favorites like The Pub and River View Restaurant offer solid career opportunities.
    Find Cook jobs in Council Bluffs, IA


  9. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $33,781
    Cedar Rapids offers a variety of dining options, from family-owned diners to high-end restaurants. Cooks here can expect to work in diverse settings. Places like The Village Pub and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s café provide enriching experiences.
    Find Cook jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  10. Ames, IA
    Average Salary: $33,678
    Ames is known for its youthful energy and diverse dining scene. Cooks in Ames can enjoy working in a vibrant community. Restaurants like Café Europa and The Hub offer dynamic and enjoyable work environments.
    Find Cook jobs in Ames, IA

What are the best paying companies for a Cook in Waterloo, IA?

Cooks in Waterloo, IA, enjoy good pay at various employers, with the Waterloo Community School District leading at $38,980. Eurest offers a competitive salary of $37,156, while UnityPoint Health provides $36,088. These companies stand out for offering attractive compensation packages to their cooks. Other notable employers include Applebee’s and Summit, both offering around $33,000. Care Initiatives, Summit Food Service, and Carlos O’Kelly’s also provide good salaries, ranging from $32,150 to $31,500. Other employers like Village Inn and Friendship Village Retirement Community offer salaries starting around $30,500 to $30,000.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, highlighting Waterloo Community School District with the highest at $38,980 and Friendship Village Retirement Community with the lowest at $30,000.

  1. Waterloo Community School District
    Average Salary: $38,980
    Waterloo Community School District offers Cook positions with competitive salaries. This district operates schools across Waterloo and offers good benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. Job roles include preparing meals for students and staff.


  2. Eurest
    Average Salary: $37,156
    Eurest provides diverse Cook opportunities in Waterloo. This company is known for its dedication to quality food services. They offer positions with solid benefits, including paid time off and health benefits. They cater to various clients, including schools and corporate cafeterias.


  3. UnityPoint Health
    Average Salary: $36,088
    UnityPoint Health offers rewarding Cook positions with a focus on health and wellness. They provide competitive pay and benefits like health insurance and retirement options. Their Cooks serve patients, ensuring nutritious meals to support recovery and health.


  4. Applebee's
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Applebee's provides Cook positions in a friendly, fast-paced environment. They offer competitive wages and benefits. Their Cooks prepare a variety of meals, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction. Locations include downtown Waterloo and other areas.


  5. Summit
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Summit offers Cook positions with a commitment to quality food services. They provide competitive salaries and benefits. Their Cooks prepare meals for various events and venues across Waterloo. They emphasize teamwork and customer service.


  6. Care Initiatives
    Average Salary: $32,150
    Care Initiatives offers Cook positions focused on senior care. They provide competitive pay and benefits. Cooks prepare meals for residents, ensuring nutritional needs are met. They serve locations in and around Waterloo, focusing on quality care.


  7. Summit Food Service
    Average Salary: $31,714
    Summit Food Service offers Cook positions in a supportive environment. They provide competitive wages and benefits. Cooks prepare meals for various events and venues. They emphasize quality and customer service, serving locations across Waterloo.


  8. Carlos O'Kelly's
    Average Salary: $31,500
    Carlos O'Kelly's offers Cook positions in a lively setting. They provide competitive salaries and benefits. Their Cooks prepare delicious meals for customers. They serve a wide range of dishes and are known for their quality and service.


  9. Village Inn
    Average Salary: $30,511
    Village Inn provides Cook positions with a focus on hospitality. They offer competitive wages and benefits. Their Cooks prepare a variety of meals for customers. They serve diverse menus and are known for their friendly service.


  10. Friendship Village Retirement Community
    Average Salary: $30,000
    Friendship Village Retirement Community offers Cook positions focused on senior care. They provide competitive pay and benefits. Their Cooks prepare meals that meet nutritional needs. They serve residents in a warm, caring environment.

Currently 17,282 Cook job openings, nationwide.

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