SalaryNode

Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $46,120. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $41,160, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially specific agricultural demands in the region contribute to this elevated compensation. The economic landscape of Iowa, with its strong agricultural roots, likely plays a significant role in shaping these local pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,900.
  • Outlook: The job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, presence of these professions within the local economy. This steady concentration implies a reliable demand for skilled workers in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,120

The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns+12.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.2

Weekly

$887

Monthly

$3,843

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and expertise with greater financial rewards.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,390$13.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,590$16.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,000$21.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,650$27.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,900$29.8

Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

Relocating to Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, for a career in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations presents a balanced financial proposition. The average annual salary of $46,120 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that your earnings will likely maintain a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, offering financial stability without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

2.745

Per 1K Jobs

0.96

Location Quotient

Below Average

Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and competitive market where opportunities exist but are not excessively scarce or overwhelmingly abundant. Employers are likely seeking qualified candidates, and professionals can find roles that match their skills without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $46,120. This typically ranges from $27,390 for entry-level positions to $61,900 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 12.1% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the national average.The average salary of $46,120 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially sound location for these roles.

Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($49,910) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is $46,120, which is $4,960 higher than the national average of $41,160.

What is the concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The Location Quotient is 0.96, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the local salary of $46,120 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of workers in these occupations locally?

There are approximately 230 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 230 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 2.745 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.