In the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic dynamics and specific labor market conditions prevalent in this region. Factors such as local demand, cost of doing business, and the availability of a skilled workforce contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Iowa is supported by a substantial local workforce of 7,730 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand. The presence of 78.518 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-17.4%below the national average.
$14.3
$572
$2,477
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 Northeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving consumer demand for food services, leading to modest but consistent upward adjustments in compensation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify the career ladder, rewarding experience, dedication, and acquired expertise with increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,660 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,290 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,590 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,150 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,830 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,720 in Northeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, individuals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
7,730
Total Jobs
78.518
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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 0.89, the market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Iowa is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while these roles are a standard part of the local economy, the job market is not saturated, and there is a steady, consistent demand for qualified individuals. It indicates a balanced environment where opportunities exist without intense competition for every available position.
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↑ 9% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,610↑ 10% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,540↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,650↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,950↑ 8% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $29,720. This typically ranges from $18,660 for entry-level positions to $39,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 17.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,720 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($32,420) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the total local workforce impact job availability?
A total local workforce of 7,730 indicates a significant pool of potential employees, suggesting a stable demand for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the region's economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.89 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.89 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Northeast Iowa compared to the national average, implying a balanced job market.
How does the cost of living affect the $29,720 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,720 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there many job opportunities for food preparation roles in this area?
With 78.518 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of these roles, indicating ongoing opportunities for individuals in the food preparation and serving sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,730 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 78.518 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 Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area