Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Light Truck Drivers in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and demand dynamics can influence compensation. The specific economic landscape of Southwest Iowa shapes the earning potential for these essential logistics professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,160.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa comprises 260 individuals, indicating a stable, albeit modest, employment base. With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not a primary driver of the regional economy compared to national benchmarks. The rate of 3.507 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the availability of these positions within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-5.6%below the national average.
$21.8
$870
$3,771
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational demands, the need to attract and retain skilled labor, and adjustments to meet the rising cost of living, even in areas with a moderate cost index.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or a proven track record in safety and efficiency can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would typically show a widening gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th or 90th percentile (senior roles), signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $22,830 | $11 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,938 | $16.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,510 | $19 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,563 | $27.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $91,160 | $43.8 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,250 in Southwest Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in this region is comparable to that of a driver in a national average cost-of-living area. Consequently, the salary offers a standard level of affordability for goods and services without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living locations.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
3.507
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.54x the national average concentration of Light Truck Drivers 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 0.54 for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests a less saturated job market, which could present opportunities for skilled drivers seeking employment, but also implies that the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration. The market is neither overly competitive nor exceptionally abundant, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $47,430↑ 5% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $46,910↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $44,930↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $51,580↑ 14% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $46,940↑ 4% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $45,250. This typically ranges from $22,830 for entry-level positions to $91,160 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 5.6% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $45,250 is below the national average, and the lower concentration of jobs (LQ 0.54) suggests less robust demand. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
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 ($47,430) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Iowa compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index for Southwest Iowa is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that, on average, the cost of goods and services in this region is neither higher nor lower than the national average.
What is the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa?
The Location Quotient (LQ) for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa is 0.54. An LQ of 1.0 represents the national average, so 0.54 indicates that the profession is less concentrated in this region compared to the rest of the country.
How many Light Truck Drivers are employed in Southwest Iowa?
There are approximately 260 Light Truck Drivers employed in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing the total local workforce for this occupation.
Are there many job openings for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Iowa?
With 3.507 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Light Truck Driver positions is moderate. Combined with a Location Quotient below average, it suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for this role in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.507 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area