In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, professionals in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations earn an average annual salary of $55,270. This figure is notably below the national average of $77,720, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market for these creative roles. The unique economic landscape of Waterloo-Cedar Falls shapes compensation for these specialized positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,290.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, comprises 1,060 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated market. The rate of 12.431 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent presence of these roles within the broader employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-28.9%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,063
$4,606
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this sector in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for creative services, and the evolving skill sets required in the industry.
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Career progression within Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and specialized expertise can command substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $24,340 | $11.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $41,453 | $19.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $47,820 | $23 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $69,088 | $33.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $89,290 | $42.9 |
Detailed Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,270 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
12.431
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the market for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities exist, but the field is not oversaturated, indicating a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $55,270. This typically ranges from $24,340 for entry-level positions to $89,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 28.9% lower than the national median of $77,720.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $55,270 is significantly lower than the national average of $77,720 for these occupations.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($61,580) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for these roles?
The job market in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a stable but not exceptionally robust demand.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 12.431 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand individuals in the workforce, approximately 12.43 are employed in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations, showing a consistent presence of these roles.
Does experience impact salary in this field in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with entry-level roles earning less and senior positions commanding higher compensation, reflecting typical career growth patterns.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
The cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,270 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 12.431 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA