📖 Read the food preparation workers salary & career guide →
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Iowa
Ranked #38 of 51 · IA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of food preparation workerss in Iowa earn between $23,760 and $40,250. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean food preparation workers salary in Iowa is $32,080, about 9.1% below the U.S. average ($35,290). That works out to roughly $15/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in Iowa
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA | $35,120 | $34,960 | 270 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $33,120 | $34,780 | 770 |
| Dubuque, IA | $32,520 | $34,020 | 150 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $32,050 | $32,330 | 170 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $31,330 | $32,510 | 280 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $31,200 | $32,640 | 620 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $30,940 | $31,920 | 340 |
| Ames, IA | $29,900 | $32,560 | 140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do food preparation workers make in Iowa?
The median food preparation workers salary in Iowa is $30,360 per year (mean $32,080), and about 80% earn between $23,760 and $40,250.
How much do food preparation workers make per hour in Iowa?
Roughly $15 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $32,080 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is Iowa a high-paying state for food preparation workers?
Iowa ranks #38 of 51 states for food preparation workers pay. Its mean salary of $32,080 is about 9.1% below the U.S. average of $35,290.
Which metro areas in Iowa pay food preparation workers the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in Iowa for food preparation workers are Iowa City, IA ($35,120), Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($33,120), Dubuque, IA ($32,520), by median annual wage.