Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,270. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. The localized pay scale is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the specific demand for these roles and the overall cost structure within the nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,540.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Iowa appears stable, with a total local workforce of 700 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.6 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a potentially steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-16.4%below the national average.
$13.6
$544
$2,356
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southeast Iowa is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer habits likely contribute to modest increases in compensation for food preparation roles across nonmetropolitan areas.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement pathways within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,300 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,203 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,338 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,540 | $15.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,270 in Southeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within the region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
3.473
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.60x 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 0.6 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less prevalent in Southeast Iowa compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment, but also implying that the overall demand might be more moderate than in highly concentrated areas.
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↑ 11% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,070↑ 10% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↑ 11% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $28,270. This typically ranges from $21,300 for entry-level positions to $32,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 16.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $28,270 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national index.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,980) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 700 suggests a moderate-sized labor pool, which could mean a balance between available positions and the number of candidates competing for them.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.6 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.6 means that Food Preparation Workers are employed at a rate 40% lower than the national average in this region, indicating less concentration of these jobs.
How does the Cost of Living compare nationally?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan area has a cost of living that is exactly the same as the national average.
What is the employment density for this role in Southeast Iowa?
There are approximately 3.473 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, reflecting the occupation's presence within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.473 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area