Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the cost of labor, local industry demands, and the overall economic climate of the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,240.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 1,030 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.44 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-6.9%below the national average.
$15.1
$606
$2,624
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Des Moines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for food services.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which often come with increased responsibilities and higher compensation. While specific percentile data is not available, it's understood that experienced workers can command salaries significantly above the average, with the gap between entry-level and senior roles reflecting substantial salary scaling.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,470 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,618 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,840 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,363 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,240 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,490 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,030
Total Jobs
2.553
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a notably lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.44, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the field may be less competitive or saturated compared to other regions, potentially offering a balanced job market for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↓ 2% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,530↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,130↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,220↓ 10% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $31,490. This typically ranges from $22,470 for entry-level positions to $39,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 6.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,490 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower salary indicates less financial advantage compared to national benchmarks.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,980) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is $31,490, which is $2,320 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.44, indicating that this occupation is less prevalent in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is at the national average (100). This means the $31,490 salary has average purchasing power locally, neither significantly boosted nor diminished by living expenses.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area?
There are approximately 1,030 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.553 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA