SalaryNode

Average Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Butchers and Meat Cutters in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,870. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,160, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The localized nature of the meat processing industry and the cost of labor in less densely populated areas often contribute to these pay differentials.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,120.
  • Outlook: The job market for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Northeast Iowa appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 290 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.26 strongly suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying robust local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,870

The average Butchers and Meat Cutters in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-15.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$671

Monthly

$2,906

Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Butchers and Meat Cutters typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and experienced professional earnings generally signifies the value placed on acquired skills, efficiency, and specialized knowledge in meat preparation and handling.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$28,270$13.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$26,153$12.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$35,840$17.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$43,588$21
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$42,120$20.3

Detailed Butchers and Meat Cutters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,870 in Northeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

2.962

Per 1K Jobs

3.26

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 3.3x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 3.26, Northeast Iowa exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Butchers and Meat Cutters than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these roles are in high demand relative to the general workforce, suggesting a strong presence of meat processing or related industries in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Butchers and Meat Cutters

Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Butchers and Meat Cutterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Butchers and Meat Cutters make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Butchers and Meat Cutters in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $34,870. This typically ranges from $28,270 for entry-level positions to $42,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 15.3% lower than the national median of $41,160.

Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,870 is below the national average of $41,160, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower pay.

Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($36,080) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

The local job market in Northeast Iowa is more concentrated for Butchers and Meat Cutters, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.26, suggesting a higher demand and presence of these roles compared to the national landscape.

What is the typical salary range for Butchers and Meat Cutters in this region?

While the average salary is $34,870, actual salaries can vary significantly based on experience, specific employer, and skill set, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher compensation.

Does the cost of living in Northeast Iowa affect the value of the butcher salary?

The cost of living in Northeast Iowa is at the national average (100), meaning the $34,870 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary, despite being nominally lower.

How many Butchers and Meat Cutters are employed in Northeast Iowa?

There are approximately 290 Butchers and Meat Cutters employed in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant local workforce concentration.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.962 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.