Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $51,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,910, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand. The specific pay rates in this area reflect a balance between the cost of living and the concentration of automotive repair needs within the community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 390 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Southwest Iowa presents a stable, albeit not expansive, job market for these professionals. The location quotient of 1.18 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a consistent demand that supports the existing workforce. This indicates a healthy, steady environment for those already established in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-5.5%below the national average.
$25
$998
$4,326
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased vehicle complexity, and a steady demand for maintenance services typically drive incremental salary increases in this sector.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level technicians might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,933 | $18.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,650 | $23.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,888 | $31.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,870 | $37.9 |
Detailed Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,910 in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Automotive Service Technician's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
5.293
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.18 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and slightly more pronounced than in other regions, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled technicians.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $55,130↑ 6% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $55,300↑ 7% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $51,020↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $54,120↑ 4% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $55,130↑ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $51,910. This typically ranges from $35,100 for entry-level positions to $78,870 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 5.5% lower than the national median of $54,910.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Moderately. The salary is on par with the national average cost of living, with a slightly higher concentration of jobs.While the average salary of $51,910 is slightly below the national average, it is balanced by a cost of living index of 100. The location quotient of 1.18 suggests a stable job market with slightly more opportunities than the national average.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
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 Ames, IA ($55,130) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 390 indicates a established but not overly saturated market, suggesting steady opportunities for qualified technicians.
What does a location quotient of 1.18 mean for mechanics?
A location quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Southwest Iowa compared to the national average, implying a potentially stronger local demand for their services.
How does experience impact earnings for mechanics in this region?
Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while senior technicians with specialized skills and certifications can expect to earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Is Southwest Iowa a good place to relocate for an auto mechanic?
Given the national average cost of living and a slightly higher job concentration, Southwest Iowa offers a stable and potentially advantageous environment for automotive service technicians looking for consistent work.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.293 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area