Cook Salary in Davenport, IA
Cooks in Davenport, IA, earn an average of $15.45 per hour, which amounts to approximately $618 per week, $2,678 per month, and $32,136 per year.
Job opportunities for Cooks in Davenport are growing at a healthy rate of approximately 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for those entering or continuing in this career.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Davenport, IA?
The salary of a Cook in Davenport varies by experience level. Entry-level Cooks earn less, while seasoned professionals with more expertise can earn close to twice as much.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.64 | $505.60 | $2,188.27 | $26,259.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.87 | $634.80 | $2,743.80 | $32,913.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.93 | $797.20 | $3,442.53 | $41,434.40 |
Do Cooks in Davenport Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is mainly done in the kitchen without direct customer interaction. Their compensation generally comes from their wages or salary rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Davenport vs. National Average
Nationally, the average hourly wage for a Cook is around $15.45 per hour, translating to approximately $32,136 per year.
In Davenport, Cooks earn roughly the same as the national average, with a median hourly rate of $15.45 and a yearly salary close to $32,136.
This parity suggests that Davenport offers competitive pay levels that align well with the overall U.S. market for Cooks.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Davenport for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly higher pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown Davenport: $16.50 per hour
- East Village: $17.00 per hour
Working in these localities may provide Cooks with better compensation compared to other parts of Davenport, reflecting possibly higher demand or the nature of establishments there.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Davenport?
Several important factors impact how much a Cook can earn in Davenport:
- Experience Level: More experienced Cooks typically command higher salaries due to skill mastery and efficiency.
- Skill Set: Specialized culinary skills or knowledge of specific cuisines can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in fine dining or upscale restaurants often leads to higher pay than fast food or casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may come with higher pay rates or bonuses.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary training and food safety certifications can bolster a Cook’s credentials and salary prospects.
How To Become a Cook in Davenport
Building a career as a Cook in Davenport involves several steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Education: Programs such as the Scott Community College Culinary Arts Program offer valuable hands-on training and theoretical knowledge tailored for aspiring Cooks.
- Consider Hospitality Training: The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Hospitality Management Program provides foundational skills that can enhance culinary and operational expertise.
- Complete Food Safety Certification: Obtaining credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is important to meet local health and safety standards.
- Pursue Professional Certifications: The Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation is an entry-level certification demonstrating fundamental culinary competency.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Davenport
Several prominent employers in Davenport frequently hire Cooks:
- Hy-Vee, Inc.
- HuHot Mongolian Grill
- Vera French Community Mental Health Center
Establishments That Cooks in Davenport Work At
Cooks in Davenport are employed in a broad range of food service establishments that influence their income:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Generally offer moderate pay but provide steady employment opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: These establishments may pay less but offer higher staff turnover and entry-level positions.
- Fine Dining and Specialty Restaurants: Tend to offer higher wages due to the complexity of dishes and customer expectations.
- Catering Services and Institutional Kitchens: Such as hospitals or educational institutions, which often provide stable salaries and benefits.
The type of establishment directly affects salary, career advancement opportunities, and work environment for Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Davenport for Cooks
If you find a career as a Cook rewarding, here are some related roles that might also interest you:
These positions include Line Cook, Chef de Partie, and Maitre D, which share culinary and hospitality skills with the Cook role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Davenport
Cooks working in Davenport need to be aware of various labor laws and tax regulations:
- The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive details on labor requirements and statistics in the U.S.
- The State of Iowa's Workforce Development website provides specific rules and resources for Iowa workers.
- Local regulations can be accessed on the City of Davenport’s official website, including employment standards and local policies.