salary$36,070 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,670per year
Top pay (top 10%)$45,010per year
Jobs in the area3,320people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Des Moines?
Expensive. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 42.1% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $36,070 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $29,670 and $45,010.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 42.1% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.