Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Ames, IA
In Ames, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $32,420. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics differ from the broader U.S. landscape. These localized pay scales are often influenced by the specific cost of doing business and the overall labor supply within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,220.
- Outlook: Ames, IA supports a substantial workforce of 5,540 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The location quotient of 1.11 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a robust local job market for these positions. With approximately 98.36 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these roles is a notable component of the local employment structure.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Ames, IA earns-9.8%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,702
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles across most sectors, including food service.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Ames, IA, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while individuals with significant experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,700 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,315 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,300 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,525 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,220 | $23.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,420 in Ames, IA aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal income effectively covers essential expenses without significant deviation from the typical American lifestyle.
Job Market Context
5,540
Total Jobs
98.357
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.11, Ames, IA exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Ames is marginally more focused on these roles than the typical U.S. city, indicating a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Ames, IA is $32,420. This typically ranges from $19,700 for entry-level positions to $48,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 9.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $32,420 is below the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($29,590) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Ames, IA is $32,420, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA has a location quotient of 1.11 for these occupations, meaning they are slightly more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Ames, IA is at the national average (100), meaning the $32,420 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Ames, IA?
There are 5,540 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Ames, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,540 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 98.357 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 Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA