In the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for these roles in a less urbanized setting. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,590.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Iowa is substantial, with a local workforce of 15,740 individuals in these roles. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.89, suggests a slightly lower presence compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand. With 78.296 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector provides consistent employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-17.7%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,466
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 Southeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest compared to metropolitan areas, indicates a slowly strengthening job market and a recognition of the value these workers bring to the local economy.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Iowa typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced individuals and those in supervisory or specialized roles can command higher earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,610 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,193 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,600 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,988 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,590 | $19 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,590 in Southeast Iowa aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
15,740
Total Jobs
78.296
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while these roles are present and necessary, the job market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers. The slightly lower concentration indicates a steady demand that aligns with the regional workforce size.
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↑ 10% | 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $29,590. This typically ranges from $18,610 for entry-level positions to $39,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 17.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southeast 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 $29,590 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating the impact on purchasing power.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($32,420) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $29,590 in Southeast Iowa is approximately $6,370 lower than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Southeast Iowa compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $29,590 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Southeast Iowa?
There are 15,740 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,740 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 78.296 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area