Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Dubuque, IA
Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA, earn an average annual salary of $31,760. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this Iowa city. The specific pay rates are often tied to the local cost of doing business and the overall economic climate of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,210.
- Outlook: Dubuque, IA, supports a local workforce of 210 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other areas. The presence of 3.577 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA earns-6.1%below the national average.
$15.3
$611
$2,647
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for most occupations, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Dubuque, IA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available for Dubuque, the typical salary range allows for growth, with experienced professionals earning significantly more than their less experienced counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,700 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,820 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,560 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,700 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,210 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,760 for Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary in Dubuque is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of exceptionally high or low living expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
3.577
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Dubuque, IA has 0.62x 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 0.62 for Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA, signifies that this occupation is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these workers, the market is not oversupplied, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for those entering or established in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↓ 6% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,370↓ 1% | 65 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Madison, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,070↑ 10% | 78 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↓ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dubuque, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Dubuque, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA is $31,760. This typically ranges from $22,700 for entry-level positions to $39,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dubuque, IA is 6.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Dubuque, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,760 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a high-paying market.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dubuque, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dubuque, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($29,710) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does Dubuque's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA, is $31,760, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque, IA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Dubuque, IA?
There are approximately 210 Food Preparation Workers employed in Dubuque, IA.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Dubuque, IA?
With 3.577 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.62, the demand is present but not exceptionally high compared to national concentrations, suggesting a stable but not booming job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Dubuque, IA area with a job density of 3.577 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 Dubuque, IA