SalaryNode

Average Slaughterers and Meat Packers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Slaughterers and Meat Packers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average annual salary of $43,060, surpassing the national average of $40,710. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific industry demands and the concentration of related businesses, creating a competitive environment for skilled labor in meat processing.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,790.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area demonstrates a notable concentration of Slaughterers and Meat Packers, with a Location Quotient of 1.53, indicating a presence significantly above the national average. The local workforce of 270 individuals, coupled with 0.672 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a robust and established demand for these essential roles within the region's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,060

The average Slaughterers and Meat Packers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+5.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.7

Weekly

$828

Monthly

$3,588

Slaughterers and Meat Packers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Career progression for Slaughterers and Meat Packers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and experienced professional earnings often signifies the value placed on accumulated knowledge, efficiency, and supervisory capabilities within the meat packing sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,370$17.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,295$15.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,400$20.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,825$25.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$53,790$25.9

Detailed Slaughterers and Meat Packers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,060

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,060 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Slaughterer and Meat Packer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering stable financial footing without the pressure of unusually high living expenses.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.672

Per 1K Jobs

1.53

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 1.5x the national concentration of Slaughterers and Meat Packers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.53, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, market shows a higher concentration of Slaughterers and Meat Packers than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better compensation and benefits for skilled workers, while also indicating a strong industry presence that supports consistent employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Slaughterers and Meat Packers

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Slaughterers and Meat Packerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Slaughterers and Meat Packers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Slaughterers and Meat Packers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $43,060. This typically ranges from $36,370 for entry-level positions to $53,790 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 5.8% higher than the national median of $40,710.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Slaughterers and Meat Packerss?

Yes, it is a relatively lucrative place for Slaughterers and Meat Packers.The average salary exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Slaughterers and Meat Packers?

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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($42,830) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Slaughterers and Meat Packers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is $43,060, which is higher than the national average of $40,710.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.53?

An LQ of 1.53 means that the Des Moines-West Des Moines area has 53% more Slaughterers and Meat Packers relative to its workforce than the national average, indicating a higher concentration of this profession.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $43,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Is there strong demand for Slaughterers and Meat Packers in this area?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.53 and the jobs per 1,000 workers metric suggest a robust demand and concentration of this role within 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 270 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.672 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.