SalaryNode

Average Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Butchers and Meat Cutters earn an average annual salary of $37,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,160, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this specific region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,950.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 810 Butchers and Meat Cutters. With a Location Quotient of 2.21, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average, the job market for these professionals appears robust and in demand within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,180

The average Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.9

Weekly

$715

Monthly

$3,098

Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Career progression for Butchers and Meat Cutters typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior butchers with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the percentile gaps in earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$30,750$14.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$27,885$13.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,140$17.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$46,475$22.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$44,950$21.6

Detailed Butchers and Meat Cutters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,180 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Butcher's or Meat Cutter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

2.005

Per 1K Jobs

2.21

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 2.2x the national concentration of Butchers and Meat Cutters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 2.21 for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines-West Des Moines signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national landscape. This suggests a highly competitive or specialized market where demand may outstrip supply, potentially influencing hiring practices and wage negotiations.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Butchers and Meat Cutterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Butchers and Meat Cutters make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $37,180. This typically ranges from $30,750 for entry-level positions to $44,950 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.7% lower than the national median of $41,160.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Butchers and Meat Cutters is below the national average. The high concentration, however, indicates strong local demand.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($36,080) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Des Moines Butcher salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $37,180, which is $3,980 less than the national average of $41,160.

What is the concentration of Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.21, meaning there are more than double the number of these jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal salary of $37,180 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating a neutral impact on real wages.

What does the job market size suggest for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Des Moines?

The local workforce of 810, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a stable and potentially growing job market for these professionals in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.005 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.