In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,600. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specific economic drivers and demand within this region contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,300.
- Outlook: The job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Iowa appears robust, with a total local workforce of 540 individuals dedicated to these roles. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 2.59 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized labor pool.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+8.4%above the national average.
$21.4
$858
$3,717
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 the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing value placed on agricultural and natural resource sectors.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically sees a substantial salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While exact figures vary, the gap between the lowest and highest earners often reflects accumulated experience, specialized skills, and increased responsibilities, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,130 | $14 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,450 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,430 | $21.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,750 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,300 | $28.5 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,600 in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial stability for residents.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
7.419
Per 1K Jobs
2.59
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.59, Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a highly concentrated presence of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations compared to the rest of the nation. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where these roles are in high demand and form a significant part of the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $50,160↑ 12% | 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↑ 3% | 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $44,600. This typically ranges from $29,130 for entry-level positions to $59,300 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 8.4% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $44,600 is higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient indicates significant local demand for these roles.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
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 ($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 Southwest Iowa is $44,600, which is $3,440 higher than the national average of $41,160.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.59 mean?
A Location Quotient of 2.59 indicates that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are more than 2.5 times as concentrated in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area as they are in the nation overall, signifying strong local specialization.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Southwest Iowa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $44,600 salary in Southwest Iowa provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating good financial stability.
What is the job density for these occupations in the area?
There are 7.419 jobs per 1,000 workers in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, reflecting a notable presence in the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.419 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area