Food Preparation Workers Salary in Iowa
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for food preparation workers in Iowa was $30,360 -14.0% vs national
Iowa vs United States
| Iowa | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $30,360 | $35,320 |
| Median hourly | $14.60 | $16.98 |
| Employment | 4,170 | 893,600 |
| Location quotient | 0.47 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (Iowa) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
What this means
Employment density in Iowa is 0.47x the national average — a below-average concentration of these roles in the local economy.
With approximately 4,170 food preparation workers employed in Iowa, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food preparation workers salary in Iowa?
The median annual wage in Iowa is $30,360 ($14.60 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does Iowa compare to the national average for food preparation workers?
The Iowa median of $30,360 is 14.0% lower than the U.S. median of $35,320.
How many food preparation workers work in Iowa?
Approximately 4,170 are employed in Iowa, per BLS OES.