Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Agricultural Equipment Operators in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $48,820, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,570. This higher compensation is directly influenced by the region's strong agricultural focus and the specialized demand for skilled operators within its robust farming sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,190.
- Outlook: The job market for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa appears robust, characterized by a concentrated workforce of 240 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 12.09 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+12.0%above the national average.
$23.5
$939
$4,068
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the agricultural sector. This growth is likely driven by increasing mechanization, the need for specialized skills, and general inflation.
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,810 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,615 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,830 | $23.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,025 | $29.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,190 | $27 |
Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,820 in Northeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Agricultural Equipment Operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial stability without the added burden of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.426
Per 1K Jobs
12.09
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 12.1x 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 12.09 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa is exceptionally high, signifying a market that is over 12 times more concentrated with these roles than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek out experienced operators due to their scarcity relative to demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $51,920↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $50,690↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $49,670↑ 2% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $48,820. This typically ranges from $37,810 for entry-level positions to $56,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 12.0% higher than the national median of $43,570.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for Agricultural Equipment Operators.The average salary of $48,820 significantly surpasses the national average, and the extremely high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 12.09) points to strong local demand and specialized opportunities.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($51,920) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Agricultural Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa earn an average of $48,820 annually, which is $5,250 more than the national average of $43,570.
What does the Location Quotient of 12.09 mean?
A Location Quotient of 12.09 means that Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs are over 12 times more concentrated in Northeast Iowa compared to the national average, indicating high local demand for this profession.
Is the cost of living high in Northeast Iowa?
No, the cost of living in Northeast Iowa is at the national average (index of 100), making the higher local salary particularly beneficial for purchasing power.
What is the total number of Agricultural Equipment Operators in the area?
There are approximately 240 Agricultural Equipment Operators employed in the Northeast 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 240 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.426 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Agricultural Equipment Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Agricultural Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area