Average Production Occupations Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, the average annual salary for Production Occupations stands at $49,610, a figure that closely mirrors the national average of $49,710. This slight parity suggests that while Iowa's manufacturing sector is robust, local economic factors and the cost of living may play a role in wage determination, offering a stable financial landscape for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,570.
- Outlook: Iowa boasts a substantial workforce of 145,790 individuals in Production Occupations, indicating a significant presence in the state's economy. With a Location Quotient of 1.65, Production Occupations are considerably more concentrated in Iowa than the national average, signaling strong demand and a well-established industry presence that supports a robust job market.
Salary Overview
The average Production Occupations in Iowa earns-0.2%below the national average.
$23.9
$954
$4,134
Production Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Production Occupations in Iowa have experienced steady growth over the past four years, aligning with national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing demand for manufactured goods, technological advancements in production, and a consistent need for skilled labor within the state.
Production Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa
Career progression within Iowa's Production Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,380 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,208 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,560 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,013 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,570 | $31.5 |
Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,307
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $49,610 in Iowa presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an Iowa salary is effectively higher, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
145,790
Total Jobs
93.355
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Iowa has 1.6x the national concentration of Production Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Iowa's Location Quotient of 1.65 for Production Occupations signifies a market that is 65% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly developed and specialized industry within the state, suggesting a competitive yet abundant job market where skilled professionals are in significant demand and likely to find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Production Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Production Occupations Salary | $51,240↑ 3% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Production Occupations Salary | $49,360↓ 1% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Production Occupations Salary | $50,310↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Production Occupations Salary | $51,870↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Production Occupations Salary | $47,880↓ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Production Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Production Occupations make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in Iowa is $49,610. This typically ranges from $35,380 for entry-level positions to $65,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 0.2% lower than the national median of $49,710.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Production Occupations?
Yes, Iowa offers a lucrative environment for Production Occupations due to its strong industry concentration and favorable cost of living.While the average salary is on par with the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living means your earnings stretch further. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.65) also points to strong demand and stability.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Production Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($51,240) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does Iowa's Production Occupations salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Production Occupations in Iowa is $49,610, which is very close to the national average of $49,710, indicating comparable compensation levels.
What is the significance of Iowa's Location Quotient for Production Occupations?
An LQ of 1.65 means Production Occupations are 65% more concentrated in Iowa than the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized industry within the state, implying strong job availability and demand for skilled workers.
How does the cost of living in Iowa affect the salary for Production Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (below the national average of 100), the $49,610 salary in Iowa offers a higher purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living area, making it financially advantageous.
What is the total workforce size for Production Occupations in Iowa?
Iowa employs a significant workforce of 145,790 individuals in Production Occupations, highlighting the sector's importance to the state's economy and labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 145,790 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 93.355 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Production Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa