Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeast Iowa

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $28,640 -16.3% vs national
Median hourly $13.77
10th percentile $20,920
90th percentile $35,460
Employed locally 360
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Northeast Iowa
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $20,920
    25th
    $21,300
    50th (median)
    $28,640
    75th
    $30,300
    90th
    $35,460

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in Northeast Iowa

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,540
    Waiters and Waitresses$21,840
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$33,720
    Cooks, Restaurant$31,200
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,490
    Bartenders$21,780

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Northeast Iowa?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa is $13.77, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.55 or more per hour.

    Is Northeast Iowa above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northeast Iowa is 16.3% below the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Iowa?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $20,920 per year in Northeast Iowa. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,300.