Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Light Truck Drivers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $44,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and specific local economic drivers. The demand and compensation for these roles are intrinsically tied to the industrial and logistical needs of the Cedar Valley.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 390 Light Truck Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.71, the job market in Waterloo-Cedar Falls indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence of this profession compared to national averages. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 4.561, suggesting a consistent, ongoing demand for skilled drivers within the region's transportation and logistics sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-6.2%below the national average.
$21.6
$864
$3,744
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased demand for goods, and inflationary pressures typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for essential roles like Light Truck Drivers.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $27,670 | $13.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,698 | $16.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,110 | $19.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,163 | $27 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $91,520 | $44 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $44,930 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
4.561
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.71x 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 0.71 suggests that Light Truck Driver roles are present in Waterloo-Cedar Falls but are not as densely concentrated as the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand exists, but the supply of drivers might be more balanced, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals without being overly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $51,580↑ 15% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $42,270↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,010↑ 0% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $47,970↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,250↑ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $44,930. This typically ranges from $27,670 for entry-level positions to $91,520 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 6.2% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $44,930 is below the national average of $47,920, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
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 ($51,580) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is $44,930, which is approximately $3,000 less than the national average of $47,920.
What is the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
The Location Quotient for Light Truck Drivers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is 0.71, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $44,930 salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
The 4.561 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for Light Truck Drivers within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls labor market, reflecting the ongoing need for transportation services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 4.561 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA