Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Agricultural Equipment Operators in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $47,740. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,570, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specialized agricultural economy of the region likely drives this higher compensation, reflecting the demand for skilled operators in a farming-centric environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,990.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 Agricultural Equipment Operators and a robust Location Quotient of 16.44, the demand for these professionals in Southwest Iowa is exceptionally high. This concentration suggests that the region relies heavily on these skilled workers, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+9.6%above the national average.
$23
$918
$3,978
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southwest Iowa have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased mechanization, evolving farming practices, and the general demand for agricultural output likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience in complex machinery or specialized farming techniques can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,000 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,805 | $17.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,800 | $23 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,675 | $28.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,990 | $26.4 |
Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,740 in Southwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living 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 a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
3.299
Per 1K Jobs
16.44
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 16.4x 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 16.44 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southwest Iowa is exceptionally high, signifying a massive concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market is not only abundant but also highly specialized and crucial to the local economy, suggesting strong job security and potential for career advancement within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $51,920↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $50,690↑ 6% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary | $49,670↑ 4% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $47,740. This typically ranges from $38,000 for entry-level positions to $54,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 9.6% higher than the national median of $43,570.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Agricultural Equipment Operators.Agricultural Equipment Operators in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing their earning potential.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa earn an average of $47,740 annually, which is $4,170 more than the national average of $43,570.
What does the Location Quotient of 16.44 mean?
A Location Quotient of 16.44 indicates that Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs are 16.44 times more concentrated in Southwest Iowa than the national average, signifying very high local demand.
Is the cost of living a factor for this salary?
No, the cost of living in Southwest Iowa is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary translates directly to greater purchasing power for operators.
How many Agricultural Equipment Operators are there in Southwest Iowa?
There are approximately 240 Agricultural Equipment Operators employed in the Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.299 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area