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Average Carpenters Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Carpenters in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $49,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,010, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized construction skills in more rural regions. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the area's specific economic drivers and labor market conditions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,280.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 260 Carpenters, the job market in Southwest Iowa presents a modest opportunity. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that Carpenters are slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not booming demand for these skilled trades. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 3.586, further supports the assessment of a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,660

The average Carpenters in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-22.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.9

Weekly

$955

Monthly

$4,138

Carpenters Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Carpenters in Southwest Iowa typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex carpentry, framing, or finishing can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated knowledge and proficiency.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,230$16
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,245$17.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,300$22.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,075$29.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$70,280$33.8

Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $49,660 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 that income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

3.586

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.79x the national average concentration of Carpenters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that Carpenters are employed in Southwest Iowa at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, but also that the demand might be more localized and potentially less competitive than in metropolitan hubs. It implies a steady, consistent need for skilled Carpenters within the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Carpenters

Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Carpenterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenters make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $49,660. This typically ranges from $33,230 for entry-level positions to $70,280 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 22.4% lower than the national median of $64,010.

Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Carpenters?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Carpenters compared to national averages.The average Carpenter salary of $49,660 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,010. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.

Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Carpenters?

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 ($55,430) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the Carpenter salary in Southwest Iowa compare to the national average?

The average Carpenter salary in Southwest Iowa is $49,660, which is substantially lower than the national average of $64,010.

What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Iowa compared to the national average?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither higher nor lower than the typical U.S. location.

How concentrated are Carpenters in Southwest Iowa?

Carpenters are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Iowa compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.79.

What is the total number of Carpenters in Southwest Iowa?

There are approximately 260 Carpenters employed in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.586 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.