Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, earn an average annual salary of $31,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common occurrence in regions with a lower concentration of specialized roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,680.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls area supports a local workforce of 270 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.56, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. The presence of 3.216 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these essential positions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-8.1%below the national average.
$14.9
$598
$2,589
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including in areas like Waterloo-Cedar Falls, have seen modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and economic shifts.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as workers gain skills and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,580 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,303 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,510 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,838 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,680 | $18.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,070 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for those in this profession.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
3.216
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.56x 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 0.56, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled workers seeking employment. Employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent in this moderately available job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,710↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 9% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,530↓ 11% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,130↓ 9% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,220↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $31,070. This typically ranges from $22,580 for entry-level positions to $38,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 8.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but it offers stable earning potential.The average salary of $31,070 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, providing equivalent purchasing power. The market is stable with moderate demand.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($29,710) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $31,070, which is approximately 8% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means 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 less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.56, indicating a moderate level of demand and availability.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 3.216 jobs per 1,000 workers, it suggests a steady presence of Food Preparation Worker roles within the local labor force, indicating consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 3.216 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA