Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
In Cedar Rapids, IA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Cedar Rapids shapes the earning potential for this vital sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,650.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 individuals in food preparation, Cedar Rapids presents a moderately sized employment pool for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Cedar Rapids compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-12.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,476
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cedar Rapids' food preparation workers isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for most roles, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise, responsibility, and potentially supervisory duties, signifying a clear path for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,160 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,283 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,138 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,650 | $17.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers 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 Cedar Rapids aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is likely comparable to what a worker might experience in a higher-cost area with a higher nominal wage.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.116
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.54x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.54 for Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids signifies that the occupation is less prevalent in this metropolitan area than it is on a national scale. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, and the demand for these workers is relatively moderate compared to the national distribution of the workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↑ 6% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,760↑ 7% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,370↑ 6% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 5% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids, IA is $29,710. This typically ranges from $22,160 for entry-level positions to $36,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 12.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Cedar Rapids, IA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers based on average salary.The average annual salary of $29,710 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($31,520) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the Cedar Rapids salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids, IA is $29,710, which is approximately $4,100 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.54, indicating that Food Preparation Workers are less common in Cedar Rapids than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Cedar Rapids affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cedar Rapids is at the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $29,710 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
What does the job market look like for Food Preparation Workers in Cedar Rapids?
The job market appears stable with a workforce of 430, but the lower Location Quotient suggests moderate demand rather than rapid growth or high concentration compared to national trends.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 3.116 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 Cedar Rapids, IA