Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Iowa
Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa earn an impressive average annual salary of $49,220, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,570. This elevated compensation is directly influenced by Iowa's robust agricultural sector, which creates a high demand for skilled operators and justifies a premium in pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,710 professionals and a striking Location Quotient of 5.45, Iowa demonstrates a highly concentrated and robust job market for Agricultural Equipment Operators. This indicates a substantial demand that significantly outpaces the national average, suggesting a stable and promising employment landscape for these vital roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa earns+13.0%above the national average.
$23.7
$947
$4,102
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for skilled Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa has driven a consistent upward trend in salaries. As agricultural technology advances and the need for efficient farming practices intensifies, compensation for these roles has likely seen steady growth, reflecting the increasing value placed on experienced professionals in the field.
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Iowa
Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, potentially reaching the 75th or 90th percentile, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,400 | $18.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,915 | $17.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,690 | $23.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,525 | $29.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,560 | $27.7 |
Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,872
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $49,220 in Iowa presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an Agricultural Equipment Operator's salary in Iowa is greater than the national average, allowing for a higher standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,710
Total Jobs
1.093
Per 1K Jobs
5.45
Location Quotient
Iowa has 5.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 5.45 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa is exceptionally high, indicating that this profession is more than five times more concentrated in Iowa than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive market where employers actively seek out and value individuals with specific agricultural equipment expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $51,920↑ 5% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $50,690↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $49,670↑ 1% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa is $49,220. This typically ranges from $38,400 for entry-level positions to $57,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 13.0% higher than the national median of $43,570.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Yes, Iowa is a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing earning potential.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($51,920) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does Iowa's salary compare to the national average?
Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa earn an average of $49,220 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,570.
What is the concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators in Iowa?
Iowa has a Location Quotient of 5.45, meaning the concentration of these jobs is over five times the national average, indicating a strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
Yes, Iowa's cost of living is 10.3% lower than the national average (index of 89.7), meaning the $49,220 salary offers greater purchasing power.
How many Agricultural Equipment Operators are there in Iowa?
There are approximately 1,710 Agricultural Equipment Operators employed in Iowa, reflecting a substantial workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,710 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 1.093 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Agricultural Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa