Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa earn an impressive average annual salary of $44,990. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $44,140, indicating a favorable compensation landscape within the state. The specialized nature of these roles and the specific demands of Iowa's food processing sector likely contribute to this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,350.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 820 individuals in this specialized field, Iowa demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 4.17. This high quotient suggests that these machine operators are more prevalent in Iowa than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa earns+1.9%above the national average.
$21.6
$865
$3,749
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and increasing demand for processed food products typically drive upward salary trends in such specialized manufacturing roles.
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Iowa
Career progression for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their value and expertise. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,220 | $16.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,743 | $16.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,570 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,238 | $27 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,350 | $26.6 |
Detailed Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,156
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $44,990 in Iowa presents a strong financial advantage when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa is more affordable than the national average (100). This means that the nominal salary earned by these operators in Iowa offers a higher purchasing power, allowing for a better standard of living compared to many other states.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
0.528
Per 1K Jobs
4.17
Location Quotient
Iowa has 4.2x the national concentration of Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Iowa's Location Quotient of 4.17 for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders is exceptionally high, indicating a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek out individuals with specific skills in this sector, making it an attractive location for those in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $47,980↑ 7% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa is $44,990. This typically ranges from $34,220 for entry-level positions to $55,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 1.9% higher than the national median of $44,140.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Yes, Iowa offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $44,990 exceeds the national average, and the significantly lower cost of living enhances the overall financial benefit.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders?
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 ($47,980) and others.
How does Iowa's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Iowa for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders is $44,990, which is slightly higher than the national average of $44,140.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.17 mean for this job in Iowa?
A Location Quotient of 4.17 signifies that these roles are over four times more concentrated in Iowa compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for these specialized workers.
How does the cost of living in Iowa affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa is more affordable than the national average. This makes the $44,990 salary go further, increasing the real value of earnings.
Is the job market for these operators strong in Iowa?
Yes, the high Location Quotient and the presence of 820 local workers suggest a robust and specialized job market for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Iowa.
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 0.528 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa