Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$30,100$14.47 per hour · $2,508 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $11.35/hr | $1,967 | $23,600 | $20,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.46/hr | $2,333 | $28,000 | $24,256 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $14.47/hr | $2,508 | $30,100 | $25,873 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.26/hr | $2,992 | $35,900 | $30,313 |
| 90th Percentile | $19.18/hr | $3,325 | $39,900 | $33,375 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$30,100 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $30,100, which equates to approximately $2,508 per month or $14.47 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $14.47 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $11.35/hour and one in ten earned more than $19.18/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA span from $23,600 at the 10th percentile to $28,000 at the 25th, $35,900 at the 75th, and $39,900 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
On a median gross salary of $30,100, an estimated $25,873 lands in net take-home pay per year ($995 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,227 (an effective rate of 14%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
On the median annual salary of $30,100, gross monthly income is $2,508. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,156 per month (or $995 every two weeks).
Is $30,100 a good salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
At $30,100, the median salary for food preparation workers is 42.5% of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA median household income ($70,811). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 87.1, making regional consumer goods and services 12.9% cheaper than the U.S. average.