SalaryNode

Average Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Butchers and Meat Cutters earn an average annual salary of $36,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,160, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this rural setting. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall wage structure prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,700.
  • Outlook: The job market for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Southwest Iowa appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 310 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.68 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,310

The average Butchers and Meat Cutters in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$698

Monthly

$3,026

Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary Distribution in Southwest 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 isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command higher earnings, with significant gaps between the lower and upper percentiles indicating opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on skill, experience, and specialization.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$29,840$14.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$27,233$13.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,460$17.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$45,388$21.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$44,700$21.5

Detailed Butchers and Meat Cutters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,310

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $36,310 in Southwest Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the income.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

4.249

Per 1K Jobs

4.68

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 4.7x 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 4.68, Southwest Iowa exhibits a highly concentrated market for Butchers and Meat Cutters, being nearly five times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive environment where these skills are in high demand relative to the general workforce, offering unique opportunities for those in the trade.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Butchers and Meat Cutters

Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Butchers and Meat Cutterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Butchers and Meat Cutters in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $36,310. This typically ranges from $29,840 for entry-level positions to $44,700 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 11.8% lower than the national median of $41,160.

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

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $36,310 is significantly lower than the national average of $41,160. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.

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

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 ($36,080) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the local job concentration compare nationally?

The Location Quotient of 4.68 indicates that Butchers and Meat Cutters are nearly five times more concentrated in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, signifying a specialized local job market.

What is the purchasing power of a Butcher's salary in this region?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $36,310 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.

How many Butchers and Meat Cutters work in Southwest Iowa?

There are approximately 310 Butchers and Meat Cutters employed in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce relative to the national concentration.

Are there many job opportunities for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Southwest Iowa?

Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand and a specialized market for these roles, indicating abundant opportunities relative to the national average concentration.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.249 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.