Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $60,580. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,200, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized skills. The robust agricultural sector in Iowa, coupled with the specific needs of its farming community, directly influences the higher compensation offered in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,510.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians, and a Location Quotient of 2.09, the job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines exhibits a notable concentration of these professionals. This suggests a healthy and active demand for their services, potentially driven by the extensive agricultural operations prevalent in the surrounding areas. The concentration indicates that this role is more prevalent here than the national average, signaling a stable or growing employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+9.7%above the national average.
$29.1
$1,165
$5,048
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing complexity in farm machinery, the need for specialized diagnostic skills, and general inflation, all of which contribute to a rising compensation benchmark for experienced professionals in this field.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned technicians with advanced diagnostic and repair skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,680 | $21.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,435 | $21.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,510 | $29.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,725 | $36.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,510 | $37.3 |
Detailed Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,580 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Farm Equipment Mechanic's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is higher than the national average for the profession, the cost of living does not present an additional advantage or disadvantage, offering a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.499
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 2.1x the national concentration of Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.09 for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines strongly suggests a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these skilled professionals is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce. Such a high concentration points to a specialized regional economy that relies heavily on agricultural machinery maintenance and repair, making it a potentially competitive but rewarding market for technicians.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $60,580. This typically ranges from $44,680 for entry-level positions to $77,510 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% higher than the national median of $55,200.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicianss?
Yes, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA offers a lucrative environment for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians.The average salary of $60,580 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 2.09) indicates strong local demand.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians?
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 ($61,430) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $60,580, which is notably higher than the national average of $55,200.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.09 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 2.09 signifies that Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians are more than twice as concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average, indicating a robust local demand for these skills.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $60,580 translates directly to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 200 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians employed within the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.499 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA