Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,220. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to larger urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region influences compensation levels for these essential positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,320.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa comprises 330 individuals, with 4.513 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. While not a high-demand area by concentration, the existing workforce suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-16.5%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,352
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. Increases in the cost of goods and services, coupled with a desire to retain staff, likely contributed to incremental salary adjustments, though these may not have kept pace with national averages.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized training, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the food preparation field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,850 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,165 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,275 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,320 | $16.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,220 in Southwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the $28,220 earned locally offers a comparable lifestyle to earning a slightly higher amount in a more expensive region.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
4.513
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.78x 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 0.78, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are available positions, the field is not as saturated as in other areas, potentially offering a stable environment for those already employed in it. It indicates a moderate level of competition and availability, without an overabundance of workers or jobs.
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↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,520↑ 12% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $28,220. This typically ranges from $20,850 for entry-level positions to $34,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 16.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $28,220 is significantly below the national average, even though the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates lower earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($30,980) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Iowa is $28,220, which is notably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Iowa?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.78, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant presence of these roles.
What is the total workforce size for this role locally?
There are approximately 330 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Southwest 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 330 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.513 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area