Average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary in Iowa
Farmworkers and Laborers in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $35,630, which is slightly below the national average of $37,800. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the agricultural sector within Iowa, and the overall cost of living in the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,000.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 820 individuals, the presence of Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse roles in Iowa is notable, though the Location Quotient of 0.31 suggests a lower concentration compared to the national average. This indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential agricultural positions within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Iowa earns-5.7%below the national average.
$17.1
$685
$2,969
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Iowa is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Farmworkers and Laborers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and adjustments to inflation and labor market dynamics. This suggests a stable, if not slightly increasing, earning potential for those in this field.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Distribution in Iowa
Career progression for Farmworkers and Laborers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge in crop management, greenhouse operations, or specialized machinery can command significantly higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $23,990 | $11.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $26,723 | $12.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $33,950 | $16.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $44,538 | $21.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $46,000 | $22.1 |
Detailed Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,721
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $35,630 in Iowa, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (meaning it's 10.3% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal income holds relatively good purchasing power locally. While the salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living can help offset this difference, potentially making the effective income more competitive.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
0.524
Per 1K Jobs
0.31
Location Quotient
At 0.31x, Iowa has a notably lower concentration of Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.31 for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Iowa indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled workers, but the overall demand is moderate relative to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Iowa is $35,630. This typically ranges from $23,990 for entry-level positions to $46,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 5.7% lower than the national median of $37,800.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,630 is below the national average, and the concentration of these jobs (LQ of 0.31) is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($34,340) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does Iowa's cost of living affect farmworker salaries?
Iowa's cost of living is below the national average (89.7 index), meaning that the $35,630 salary can offer better purchasing power locally than the same amount might in a higher cost-of-living state.
What is the concentration of farmworker jobs in Iowa?
The Location Quotient of 0.31 indicates that farmworker jobs are less concentrated in Iowa compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate level of demand.
How many farmworkers are there in Iowa?
There are approximately 820 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse employed in Iowa, contributing to the state's agricultural workforce.
Does experience matter for farmworker pay in Iowa?
Yes, like most professions, experience and specialized skills significantly influence earning potential, with senior roles commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 0.524 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa