Iowa ranks 38th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $9,110 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,300 to $37,900 — a $16,600 spread, 20% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.56 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.79× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,300 | $10.24 |
| 25th percentile | $26,860 | $12.91 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| 75th percentile | $32,590 | $15.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Mean (average) | $29,950 | $14.40 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $29,840 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +31% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +29% |
| California | $38,150 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +27% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +25% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +24% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $29,790 | 5,570 |
| Retail Salespersons | $30,030 | 37,600 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $30,060 | 410 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,560 | 3,460 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $30,250 | 2,990 |
| Parking Attendants | $29,300 | 1,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Iowa?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Iowa is $29,950 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Iowa?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $21,300 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $26,860 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $37,900 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $32,590 per year.
How does the Iowa Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Iowa is $29,840, which is -13% below national average of $34,220.