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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $47,800. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,570, indicating a strong local demand for these essential roles. The specialized nature of agriculture in this region and the concentration of related industries likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,850.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 330 Agricultural Equipment Operators, Southeast Iowa demonstrates a robust job market for this profession. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.08 signifies a concentration of these jobs far exceeding the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's agricultural sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,800

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+9.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23

Weekly

$919

Monthly

$3,983

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,910$18.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,850$17.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,690$22.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,750$28.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,850$26.4

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,800 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location for those in the profession.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

1.621

Per 1K Jobs

8.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 8.1x 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 8.08 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa is exceptionally high, indicating that this region has a job market that is over eight times more concentrated in this profession than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive environment where demand for these skills is a defining characteristic of the local economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $47,800. This typically ranges from $37,910 for entry-level positions to $54,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 9.7% higher than the national median of $43,570.

Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators.The average salary of $47,800 is notably higher than the national average, and the extremely high location quotient indicates strong regional demand.

Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa salary compare to the national average?

Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa earn an average of $47,800 annually, which is $4,230 more than the national average of $43,570.

What does the Location Quotient of 8.08 mean?

A Location Quotient of 8.08 signifies that Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs are over eight times more concentrated in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, indicating high local demand.

Is the cost of living high in Southeast Iowa?

No, the cost of living in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is at the national average of 100, meaning your salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national standard.

How many Agricultural Equipment Operators work in Southeast Iowa?

There are approximately 330 Agricultural Equipment Operators employed in the Southeast 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 330 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.621 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.