Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How does Food Preparation Workers salary grow from entry-level to senior in Iowa? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.
69% career growth potentialData: BLS OEWS 2025 • Iowa salary data • Updated 2026-05-19
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Iowa spans from $23,760 at entry-level to $40,250 at senior level — a difference of $16,490 per year.
Senior Food Preparation Workerss in Iowa earn $16,490 more per year than entry-level professionals.
Complete percentile breakdown showing how Food Preparation Workers salary increases with experience in Iowa, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | P10 | $23,760 | $1,980 | $11.42 |
| Early Career | P25 | $28,260 | $2,355 | $13.59 |
| Mid-Career | Median | $30,360 | $2,530 | $14.60 |
| Experienced | P75 | $36,200 | $3,017 | $17.40 |
| Senior / Expert | P90 | $40,250 | $3,354 | $19.35 |
Food Preparation Workers in Iowa has a moderate salary progression with a 69% growth from entry-level ($23,760) to senior ($40,250). While the growth potential is steady, professionals looking to maximize earnings may benefit from specialization, advanced certifications, or gaining experience in higher-paying states. The gap between median ($30,360) and P90 ($40,250) shows there is still room for meaningful growth beyond mid-career.
Where does Iowa rank for Food Preparation Workers senior-level salaries? Compare Iowa's P90 pay to other top-paying states.
Entry-level Food Preparation Workerss (10th percentile) earn approximately $23,760 per year, or $1,980 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $28,260. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.
Senior Food Preparation Workerss (90th percentile) earn approximately $40,250 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $36,200. This represents a career premium of 69% over entry-level pay.
The career salary growth potential for Food Preparation Workerss is 69%. Entry-level professionals start at $23,760, while senior-level can earn up to $40,250 — a difference of $16,490 per year.
The highest-paying state for senior Food Preparation Workerss is Iowa, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $40,250 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.
We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.
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Salary percentile data for Iowa from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within Iowa.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS