SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

In Cedar Rapids, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,680.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,370 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Cedar Rapids demonstrates a solid presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,650

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-12.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.2

Weekly

$609

Monthly

$2,638

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Cedar Rapids, as elsewhere, typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation with acquired skills and experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,040$9.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,738$11.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,780$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,563$19
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,680$21.5

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,650 in Cedar Rapids aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the overall financial attractiveness of the role.

Job Market Context

11,370

Total Jobs

81.628

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.92x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.92 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Cedar Rapids suggests that the industry is well-established and integrated into the local economy, closely mirroring national employment patterns. While not significantly over-represented, this quotient indicates a healthy and competitive job market where opportunities are readily available without being overly saturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Cedar Rapids, IA is $31,650. This typically ranges from $20,040 for entry-level positions to $44,680 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,650 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($31,950) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the national average for food preparation jobs?

The average salary in Cedar Rapids is $31,650, which is lower than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.

What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids has a location quotient of 0.92 for these roles, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Cedar Rapids?

No, the cost of living in Cedar Rapids is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $31,650 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

How many people work in food preparation in Cedar Rapids?

There are 11,370 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,370 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 81.628 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.