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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Yes, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is a highly lucrative market for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss. With an average annual salary of $51,920, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.71x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,710.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,920

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+19.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25

Weekly

$998

Monthly

$4,327

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

The earning potential for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $41,980, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $59,710.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$41,980$20.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,940$18.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,170$24.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$64,900$31.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$59,710$28.7

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,920

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $51,920 to $51,920.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

0.342

Per 1K Jobs

1.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 1.7x the national concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

140 people work as Agricultural Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

Only 0.342 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Agricultural Equipment Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $51,920. This typically ranges from $41,980 for entry-level positions to $59,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 19.2% higher than the national median of $43,570.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is an excellent location for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($51,920) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($47,800) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.342 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.