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Average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $42,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,630. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's industrial landscape contribute to this compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,050.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 650 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,460

The average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-2.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.4

Weekly

$817

Monthly

$3,538

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Career progression for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, so does earning potential, with senior operators commanding higher salaries than their junior counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,890$15.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,845$15.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$40,670$19.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,075$25.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$50,050$24.1

Detailed Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,460 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

650

Total Jobs

1.602

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.64x the national average concentration of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders 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 0.64 indicates that Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders are less concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $42,460. This typically ranges from $31,890 for entry-level positions to $50,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 2.7% lower than the national median of $43,630.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $42,460 is slightly below the national average, and the concentration of these jobs is also below the national benchmark.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($43,960) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The average annual salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator and Tender in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $42,460.

How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines ($42,460) is slightly lower than the national average ($43,630).

What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Packaging and Filling Machine Operator jobs in this area?

The concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.64, is below the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.602 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.