Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for these roles in a nonmetropolitan setting. The specific pay scales in this region are influenced by local economic conditions and the concentration of the workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,460.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa appears stable, with a total local workforce of 360 individuals. The location quotient of 0.63 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area. With 3.655 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape is present but not saturated.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-16.8%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,344
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not detailed, it's generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including regions like Northeast Iowa, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving labor market demands, suggesting a gradual upward trend in compensation for these essential roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. While specific salary percentiles are not provided, the typical salary range suggests that experienced workers can command higher wages than those just starting out. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries often signifies the value placed on accumulated skills, efficiency, and responsibility within the food preparation sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,920 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,098 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,163 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,460 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,130 in Northeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Food Preparation Workers in this region has the same purchasing power as the national average. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the real income and standard of living for these workers are comparable to their national counterparts.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
3.655
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.63x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.63, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there are opportunities, the field is not as dominant or in as high demand relative to other job sectors when compared to the nation as a whole. This lower concentration suggests a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers but also implies fewer specialized roles or advanced career paths within this specific occupation in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↑ 10% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,490↑ 12% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↑ 10% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↑ 12% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $28,130. This typically ranges from $20,920 for entry-level positions to $35,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 16.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $28,130 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,980) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa is $28,130, which is approximately $5,680 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Northeast Iowa compared to the national average?
The cost of living in Northeast Iowa is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in this area?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a location quotient of 0.63, suggesting fewer jobs relative to other occupations compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa?
There are approximately 360 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northeast 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 360 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.655 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 Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area