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Average Production Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Production Occupations earn an average annual salary of $49,360. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $49,710, indicating a stable compensation landscape. Local economic factors and industry demand in the Des Moines metropolitan area play a significant role in aligning these wages with broader national trends.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,200.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a substantial workforce of 18,290 individuals in Production Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a mature but not oversaturated market. The presence of over 45 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for skilled production talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,360

The average Production Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-0.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.7

Weekly

$949

Monthly

$4,113

Production Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Career progression in Production Occupations within Des Moines-West Des Moines, as elsewhere, typically sees significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, problem-solving abilities, and supervisory experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,320$16
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,020$17.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,460$22.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$61,700$29.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$68,200$32.8

Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,360

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $49,360 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a production worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the premium or discount associated with significantly higher or lower living costs.

Job Market Context

18,290

Total Jobs

45.147

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Production Occupations 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 0.8 for Production Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that the industry's presence is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may seek specific skill sets, but it also implies opportunities for growth as the region's employment base expands. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Production Occupations

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Production Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $49,360. This typically ranges from $33,320 for entry-level positions to $68,200 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 0.7% lower than the national median of $49,710.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Production Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is nearly identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Production Occupations?

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 ($51,240) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

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

The average annual salary for Production Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $49,360, which is very close to the national average of $49,710.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the Production Occupations job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

The Location Quotient is 0.8, meaning the concentration of Production Occupations jobs is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive market.

What is the total number of Production Occupations workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

There are approximately 18,290 individuals employed in Production Occupations within the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,290 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 45.147 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.