In the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,520. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specific economic drivers and industry concentration within this region likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,950.
- Outlook: The job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,630 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.88 suggests a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+8.2%above the national average.
$21.4
$856
$3,710
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in agricultural productivity and demand for related services.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The percentile gaps between lower and higher earners reflect the value placed on accumulated experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities, offering a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,290 | $14.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,680 | $21 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,650 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,950 | $28.8 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $44,520 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income in Northwest Iowa for these occupations holds its purchasing power effectively. This means that the salary earned can afford a lifestyle comparable to the national average, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,630
Total Jobs
11.111
Per 1K Jobs
3.88
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 3.9x the national concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations 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 3.88 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa is exceptionally high, indicating that this sector is more than three times as concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where local expertise is deeply valued and in significant demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $50,160↑ 13% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $46,660↑ 5% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $46,120↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $49,910↑ 12% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $42,320↓ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $44,520. This typically ranges from $30,290 for entry-level positions to $59,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 8.2% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Yes, Northwest Iowa offers lucrative opportunities for these occupations.The average salary of $44,520 exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 3.88) indicates strong regional demand.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($50,160) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Northwest Iowa is $44,520, which is higher than the national average of $41,160.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Northwest Iowa?
An LQ of 3.88 signifies that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are significantly more concentrated in Northwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a specialized and robust local industry.
How does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Northwest Iowa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $44,520 salary in Northwest Iowa offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating good financial stability.
What does the total local workforce size indicate for job prospects?
A local workforce of 1,630 in these occupations suggests a substantial presence and ongoing activity within the sector, potentially indicating stable job availability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,630 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 11.111 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area