SalaryNode

Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $46,660. This figure surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a potentially favorable compensation landscape in the region. Local economic factors and industry demand likely contribute to this elevated pay scale compared to the national trend.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,190.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, shows a modest concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.44. While the total local workforce of 510 suggests a niche presence, the low concentration implies that these roles are less prevalent locally than nationally. This indicates a specialized, rather than a broadly abundant, job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,660

The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+13.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.4

Weekly

$897

Monthly

$3,888

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Salary progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available through dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,700$13.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,995$16.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,150$21.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,325$28
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,190$30.9

Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $46,660 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national average, suggesting that the take-home pay will cover expenses at a standard rate without significant strain or surplus due to local living costs.

Job Market Context

510

Total Jobs

1.267

Per 1K Jobs

0.44

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.44x, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a notably lower concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

With a Location Quotient of 0.44, the market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not a dominant sector within the local economy, potentially leading to a more specialized and less competitive environment for those seeking employment in these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $46,660. This typically ranges from $27,700 for entry-level positions to $64,190 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 13.4% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Yes, it offers a slightly more lucrative environment than the national average.The average salary of $46,660 is higher than the national average of $41,160, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating good purchasing power.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?

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 ($50,160) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $46,660, which is notably higher than the national average of $41,160.

What is the concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.44, which is below the national average of 1.0, indicating a lower prevalence of these jobs locally compared to the rest of the country.

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

The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $46,660 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, making it a fair compensation relative to local expenses.

What does the low Location Quotient suggest about job availability?

A Location Quotient below 1.0 suggests that these occupations are less common in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, relative to the national distribution, potentially implying a more specialized job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.267 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.