Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,240. 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 the state. The specific economic landscape and the prevalence of these roles within Iowa's job market contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,070.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 131,140 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Iowa demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.95 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Iowa is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established job market for these roles. The presence of approximately 84 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for food preparation and serving professionals across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa earns-13.1%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,603
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect an evolving job market and an increasing demand for skilled labor in the food service industry within the state.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,170 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,430 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,490 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,050 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,070 | $21.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,827
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,240 in Iowa for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 89.7. With a cost of living that is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average (indexed at 100), the purchasing power of an Iowa salary is enhanced. This means that despite a lower nominal wage compared to the national average, the reduced cost of essential goods and services can make the effective income more competitive.
Job Market Context
131,140
Total Jobs
83.974
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Iowa 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.
Iowa's location quotient of 0.95 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of industry concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the demand for these roles is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low relative to other industries within the state. Professionals can expect a competitive yet accessible job market, with opportunities available without facing extreme saturation or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,420↑ 4% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,610↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,540↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,650↑ 1% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,950↑ 2% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa is $31,240. This typically ranges from $19,170 for entry-level positions to $45,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 13.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $31,240 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living index of 89.7 means your earnings can go further.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 Ames, IA ($32,420) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does Iowa's salary for food prep workers compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa is $31,240, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Iowa compared to the rest of the US?
Iowa has a location quotient of 0.95 for these occupations, indicating that the concentration of jobs is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Iowa affect the salary?
Iowa's cost of living is 10.3% lower than the national average, meaning the $31,240 salary has greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Iowa?
There are approximately 131,140 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 131,140 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 83.974 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 Iowa