In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $32,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and the specific economic landscape of the Des Moines metropolitan area influence compensation levels for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,970.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a substantial workforce of 32,570 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistently present demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.3%below the national average.
$15.7
$627
$2,718
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. The variance in earnings across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,890 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,458 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,720 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,763 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,970 | $22.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,610 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial standing for individuals in these roles within the metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
32,570
Total Jobs
80.394
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.91x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable market where job opportunities are readily available, reflecting the consistent demand for these essential services within the community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $32,610. This typically ranges from $19,890 for entry-level positions to $46,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it offers average earning potential relative to cost of living.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $32,610 is below the national average for this occupation. This indicates that while your money may go as far as elsewhere, the absolute earning potential is not exceptionally high.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($32,420) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $32,610, which is approximately $3,350 less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating that these jobs are present in Des Moines-West Des Moines at a rate very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Des Moines?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the nation. Therefore, the $32,610 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With 32,570 individuals employed in these roles locally, it signifies a significant sector within the Des Moines-West Des Moines economy, suggesting a steady presence of job opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 32,570 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 80.394 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA