In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,820. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in regions with lower costs of living and a more localized economic focus. The specific economic drivers and demand within this particular nonmetropolitan area contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,600 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a location quotient of 0.86, the job market in Southwest Iowa indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a high-demand concentration, the steady presence of these jobs suggests a stable, albeit localized, employment landscape for food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-17.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$573
$2,485
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 generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations nationwide have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to Southwest Iowa, though the rate of increase may be influenced by local economic conditions and the cost of living.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify the value placed on experience, skill, and leadership within the industry, offering a clear path for advancement.
| 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) | $22,365 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,590 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,275 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,420 | $19 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,820 in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the financial viability of this salary.
Job Market Context
5,600
Total Jobs
76.287
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering opportunities for skilled individuals without the intense competition found in more saturated areas.
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↑ 9% | 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↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,950↑ 7% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $29,820. This typically ranges from $19,170 for entry-level positions to $39,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 17.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $29,820 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable but not superior.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($32,420) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 5,600 suggests a substantial pool of individuals in these roles, indicating consistent demand for food preparation and serving staff within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.86 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.86, means these jobs are less concentrated here than nationally, suggesting a stable but not booming job market for these specific occupations.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,820 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither cheaper nor more expensive than the national norm.
What are the typical career paths in Food Preparation and Serving?
Career paths often include starting as a kitchen helper or server, progressing to roles like cook, shift supervisor, and potentially restaurant manager or specialized culinary positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,600 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 76.287 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area