Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
In Iowa City, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,950. 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 area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,640.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,380 individuals and a location quotient of 1.15, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Iowa City demonstrates a healthy concentration relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and established presence of these roles, suggesting consistent demand and a stable job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City, IA earns-11.2%below the national average.
$15.4
$614
$2,663
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks, supervisors, and managers can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the value placed on skill, experience, and leadership within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,570 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,963 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,070 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,938 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,640 | $22.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,950 in Iowa City aligns perfectly 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 income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
9,380
Total Jobs
101.634
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Iowa City, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.15 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and perhaps slightly outpaces the national distribution, offering reasonable opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City, IA is $31,950. This typically ranges from $18,570 for entry-level positions to $46,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 11.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $31,950 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($31,650) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does Iowa City's cost of living compare to the national average?
Iowa City's cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is on par with the rest of the country.
Is the job market for food preparation strong in Iowa City?
Yes, the location quotient of 1.15 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a stable and present demand.
What is the total number of people employed in food preparation in Iowa City?
There are approximately 9,380 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Iowa City.
How does the average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary in Iowa City is $31,950, which is lower than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,380 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 101.634 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 City, IA