Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Iowa City, IA
Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City, IA earn an average annual salary of $31,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific Midwestern city. The cost of living in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning this salary offers standard purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,510.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 individuals in food preparation roles, Iowa City presents a moderately sized employment landscape for these professionals. The location quotient of 0.57 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in Iowa City compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand for new entrants.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City, IA earns-6.8%below the national average.
$15.2
$606
$2,627
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This consistent, albeit incremental, increase in compensation is typical for roles within the food service industry, aiming to retain staff amidst evolving market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which are often accompanied by higher earning potential. The salary distribution, while not detailed here, generally shows a widening gap between the lowest and highest percentiles as experience and skill acquisition increase, signifying clear opportunities for advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,200 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,640 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,420 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,510 | $19 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $31,520 in Iowa City, IA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Iowa City is effectively on par with the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
3.311
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.57x 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.
The location quotient of 0.57 for Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City signifies that this profession is less prevalent locally than it is nationwide. This suggests that while there are dedicated roles, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may arise from standard turnover rather than rapid expansion, indicating a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↓ 6% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,370↓ 0% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,760↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 10% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City, IA is $31,520. This typically ranges from $22,200 for entry-level positions to $39,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 6.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,520 is below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($29,710) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the Iowa City salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City earn an average of $31,520 annually, which is approximately 6.8% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA?
Iowa City, IA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Iowa City?
The location quotient of 0.57 suggests that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Iowa City compared to the national average, implying a moderate rather than exceptionally high demand.
What does a location quotient of 0.57 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient below 1.0, like 0.57, indicates that the occupation is less common in Iowa City than the national average, which could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for available positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 3.311 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 Iowa City, IA