Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $30,540. 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 region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,800.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, supports a substantial local workforce of 7,340 individuals. With a location quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistently present demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-15.1%below the national average.
$14.7
$587
$2,545
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving industry standards.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can see their earnings increase significantly, with higher percentiles reflecting greater career advancement and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,460 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,905 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,880 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,175 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,800 | $21.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,540 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
7,340
Total Jobs
85.9
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.97x 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 0.97 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, indicates that the industry's presence is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where the number of available positions is well-balanced with the number of workers in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $30,540. This typically ranges from $18,460 for entry-level positions to $43,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 15.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,540 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($31,650) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 7,340 suggests a significant pool of talent and a consistent demand for roles within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 means that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a balanced job market.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,540 salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
What are the typical entry-level roles in this sector?
Entry-level roles often include kitchen assistants, servers, fast-food crew members, and food prep workers, which generally offer wages at the lower end of the salary spectrum.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,340 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 85.9 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA