Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dubuque, IA
In Dubuque, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in areas where the cost of living is balanced and the demand for specialized roles may be more localized. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Dubuque shape these compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,870.
- Outlook: Dubuque, IA supports a workforce of 4,920 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established presence of this sector within the local economy. The presence of 83.502 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dubuque, IA earns-12.4%below the national average.
$15.1
$606
$2,624
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dubuque's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for service-oriented roles, reflecting both increased operational costs for businesses and a desire to retain skilled staff.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dubuque, IA, typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and consistent performance in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,530 | $9.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,618 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,790 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,363 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,870 | $21.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,490 in Dubuque, IA, 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 in Dubuque is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is below the national average for the occupation, the cost of essential goods and services remains stable and predictable.
Job Market Context
4,920
Total Jobs
83.502
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Dubuque, IA has 0.95x 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 0.95, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dubuque, IA, is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the industry is well-represented but not disproportionately dominant. It suggests a competitive environment where employers seek qualified candidates, but the supply of workers is generally sufficient to meet demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,650↑ 1% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,950↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Madison, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,250↑ 9% | 78 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,540↓ 3% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Dubuque, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dubuque, IA is $31,490. This typically ranges from $19,530 for entry-level positions to $44,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 12.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Dubuque, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,490 is below the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($31,650) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does Dubuque's job market compare nationally for food preparation roles?
Dubuque's job market for these roles is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.95, indicating a balanced concentration of jobs.
What is the average cost of living in Dubuque, IA?
The cost of living in Dubuque, IA is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How many people work in food preparation in Dubuque, IA?
Approximately 4,920 individuals are employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dubuque, IA.
Does experience significantly impact salary in this field in Dubuque?
Yes, career progression from entry-level to senior roles typically results in higher salaries, with percentile gaps indicating significant earning potential for experienced professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,920 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 83.502 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 Dubuque, IA