Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Ames, IA
The average salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Ames, IA is $30,980. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,430.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Preparation Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. With a high job density of 3.037 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Ames, IA earns-8.4%below the national average.
$14.9
$596
$2,582
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Food Preparation Workers salaries in Ames, IA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 27.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Food Preparation Workerss in Ames, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $22,310, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $38,430.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,310 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,235 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,510 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,725 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,430 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $30,980 to $30,980.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
3.037
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.53x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
170 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Ames, IA.
Moderate density — roughly 3.037 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 9% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,530↓ 11% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,130↓ 9% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,220↓ 9% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,490↑ 2% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Ames, IA is $30,980. This typically ranges from $22,310 for entry-level positions to $38,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 8.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Food Preparation Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Ames, IA is $30,980 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Ames, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($28,270) and Northwest 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 170 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 3.037 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA