SalaryNode

Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $40,600. The localized economic conditions and demand within this specific region are key factors contributing to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,100.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 360 individuals, the landscaping and groundskeeping sector in Southwest Iowa represents a modest but stable employment base. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a balanced demand that is not oversaturated, providing consistent opportunities for skilled workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,900

The average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-14.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$671

Monthly

$2,908

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Career progression in landscaping and groundskeeping typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, team leadership, or specialized skills in areas like arboriculture or irrigation can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$22,030$10.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$26,175$12.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$34,550$16.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$43,625$21
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$47,100$22.6

Detailed Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,900 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 this income within the local area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a stable financial standing for residents.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

4.953

Per 1K Jobs

0.81

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.81x the national average concentration of Landscaping and Groundskeeping 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 0.81 indicates that Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers are employed in Southwest Iowa at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not exceptionally concentrated, implying a healthy level of competition and demand for qualified individuals without an oversupply of labor.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $34,900. This typically ranges from $22,030 for entry-level positions to $47,100 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 14.0% lower than the national median of $40,600.

Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $34,900 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing purchasing power.

Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Landscaping and Groundskeeping 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 ($40,340) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 360 suggests a stable, established sector. While not massive, it indicates consistent demand for these roles within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.81 mean for job seekers?

A LQ of 0.81 means the occupation is slightly less common than the national average. This can imply a balanced job market with moderate competition.

How does the cost of living impact the $34,900 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,900 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating a neutral impact on affordability.

Are there opportunities for career growth in this field in Southwest Iowa?

While specific local data isn't provided, the general trend in landscaping and groundskeeping shows that experience and specialization lead to higher earning potential, suggesting similar growth opportunities exist.

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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.953 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.