Line Cook Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)

Updated 52 days ago · 21 observed active listings

In Des Moines, the salary landscape for Line Cooks is shaped by a combination of demand, industry concentration, and varying experience levels among job seekers. The trimmed average salary of $27,477 suggests a competitive market, but the wide range from $20,000 to $140,000 indicates significant disparities based on skills and experience. Employers are navigating a tight labor market, reflected by 21 open positions, which puts pressure on them to offer competitive wages amidst a backdrop of cost-of-living considerations.

$27,477

Average Salary

$20,000

Low End

$140,000

High End

Open Positions

Salary Distribution

$20,000

3877

$40,000

2315

$60,000

140

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

Key Insights

The significant salary range from $20,000 to $140,000 highlights a variance in experience and skills, with many positions concentrated at the lower end, suggesting that entry-level roles predominate in the market.
With 21 open positions, the demand for Line Cooks in Des Moines indicates a healthy job market, but it also suggests that employers may struggle to find candidates with the right skills, potentially driving salaries higher for those with experience.
The concentration of employers such as StepStone Hospitality and Firebirds International LLC in the area suggests a competitive industry environment, leading to wage pressures as companies vie for top talent.
The gap between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and the 75th percentile ($40,000) reveals that while many jobs offer entry-level pay, there is a significant subset of positions that require more experience, indicating a bifurcation in the labor market.
Cost of living pressures in Des Moines also play a role, as employers may adjust their offers slightly above the average to attract candidates who are facing increased expenses.

Current Line Cook Jobs in Des Moines

Broiler Cook

Ruth's Chris Steak House · Clive, Polk County

$83,938 – $83,938
Executive Chef

StepStone Hospitality · Des Moines, Polk County

$77,691 – $77,691
Line Cook

Spare Time Entertainment · Clive, Polk County

$57,923 – $57,923
Line Cook

HomeGrown · Clive, Polk County

$50,833 – $50,833
Back of House Team Member

Firebirds International LLC · Clive, Polk County

$46,233 – $46,233
Line Cook

P.F. Chang's · West Des Moines, Polk County

$37,440 – $45,760
Line Cook

HomeGrown · Clive, Polk County

$31,200 – $41,600
Line Cook

Texas Roadhouse · Altoona, Polk County

$40,569 – $40,569
Cook (174)

Maxby Hospitality · Clive, Polk County

$33,280 – $39,520
Line Cook

Texas Roadhouse · West Des Moines, Polk County

$39,134 – $39,134

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Line Cook salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average Line Cook salary in Des Moines, IA is $27,477 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.

How many Line Cook jobs are available in Des Moines?

There are currently 21 open Line Cook positions in Des Moines, IA.

What factors affect Line Cook salaries in Des Moines?

Line Cook salaries in Des Moines vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in Des Moines also plays a significant role in compensation levels.

Other Salaries in Des Moines

Controller $49,533 avg Physician $89,624 avg Teacher $46,412 avg Cashier $23,831 avg Human Resources Manager $72,043 avg Maintenance Technician $51,863 avg Benefits Administrator $80,045 avg Occupational Therapist $85,833 avg

Line Cook Salaries in Other Cities

Miami, FL $27,542 avg Arlington, VA $27,542 avg Houston, TX $27,542 avg Denver, CO $27,413 avg Santa Ana, CA $27,477 avg Washington, DC $27,413 avg Aurora, CO $27,542 avg Atlanta, GA $27,542 avg