In the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,710. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where labor markets may have different supply and demand dynamics. The localized economic factors and industry concentration contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,150.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,290 individuals in these roles, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations represent a significant segment of the regional economy. The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other industries in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-17.4%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,476
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This consistent, albeit modest, upward trajectory is typical for established service industry roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,930 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,283 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,138 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,150 | $19.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,710 in Northwest Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
11,290
Total Jobs
76.928
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x 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.
A location quotient of 0.87 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and form a notable part of the local employment landscape, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
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↑ 7% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,950↑ 8% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $29,710. This typically ranges from $18,930 for entry-level positions to $40,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 17.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,710 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($32,420) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 76.928 jobs per 1,000 workers, this occupation is well-represented in Northwest Iowa's labor market, though slightly below the national average density.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.87?
An LQ of 0.87 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 13% less concentrated in Northwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a slightly less specialized industry presence.
Does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, a Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $29,710 salary has the same purchasing power in Northwest Iowa as the national average salary has nationally.
How does the total local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A workforce of 11,290 in this sector indicates a significant number of available positions, providing a solid base for employment within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,290 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 76.928 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area