What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?
Job seekers in Altoona, IA, can find a variety of salary options. The average yearly salary stands at $45,598, offering a solid income for many. Salaries range broadly, from $23,000 to $120,000 annually. This diversity provides many opportunities for different career paths.
The distribution of salaries across different roles helps understand what to expect. For example, some of the top jobs pay around $120,000 per year. On the other end, entry-level roles start at about $23,000. This broad range means there are options for both beginners and experienced professionals. Whether one seeks a lower-paying entry-level job or a higher-paying senior role, Altoona offers opportunities.
What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

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General Manager
Average Salary: $64,780
Manages daily operations. Works in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Oversees staff and ensures smooth operations.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $51,169
Handles repairs and upkeep. Works in manufacturing and food service. Ensures equipment runs smoothly.
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Team Member
Average Salary: $35,996
Helps customers with various tasks. Works in retail and restaurants. Provides excellent customer service.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,500
Prepares meals quickly. Works in restaurants and cafes. Follows recipes and maintains hygiene standards.
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Sales Associate
Average Salary: $33,156
Assists customers in finding products. Works in retail stores. Provides product information and handles sales.
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Cashier
Average Salary: $33,071
Handles cash and card payments. Works in retail and restaurants. Provides accurate transactions.
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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $35,604
Working in Altoona's local restaurants, servers interact with customers and take food orders. Roles can vary at establishments such as Red Lobster and Applebee’s, where attention to detail and customer service skills are key. The job often involves teamwork and communication with kitchen staff to ensure a smooth dining experience.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,500
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in fast-paced kitchens. They work in places like diners and eateries, following recipes and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. The position requires efficiency and teamwork, as cooks must quickly prepare dishes and assist other kitchen staff.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $32,816
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in Altoona hotels and lodges. This role involves tidying rooms, changing linens, and ensuring a comfortable environment for guests. Hotels such as Holiday Inn and Best Western rely on housekeepers to provide high standards of cleanliness and comfort to all visitors.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $30,882
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in busy restaurants and cafes, ensuring that all items are spotless before the next service. The position involves teamwork in a fast-paced environment, with attention to cleanliness and efficiency to support the kitchen staff.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $22,863
Server assistants support servers in providing excellent service to customers. They help with clearing tables, refilling drinks, and setting up dining areas. Roles can be found in various dining establishments where teamwork and customer service skills are essential for a smooth dining experience.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, IA?

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Ziegler Caterpillar
Average Salary: $68,348
Ziegler Caterpillar offers a wide range of heavy equipment and services. They provide jobs for many people in Altoona and pay competitive salaries.
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Tmarzetti Company
Average Salary: $46,597
Tmarzetti Company has a long history in the area. They focus on providing high-quality products and services. Their employees receive good salaries and benefits.
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Southeast Polk Community School District
Average Salary: $44,979
This school district offers various jobs for teachers and support staff. They value education and pay their employees well for their important work.
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Prairie Meadows
Average Salary: $40,526
Prairie Meadows is a popular entertainment venue. It offers jobs in gaming, hospitality, and more. Employees enjoy a good salary and a fun work environment.
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Balance Autism
Average Salary: $37,664
Balance Autism provides support services for individuals with autism. They offer rewarding jobs that make a difference in people's lives. Their salaries are competitive.
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Rocket Carwash
Average Salary: $31,858
Rocket Carwash operates multiple locations and offers jobs for car wash attendants and managers. They provide a good salary and flexible work hours.
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Pancheros Mexican Grill
Average Salary: $30,500
Pancheros Mexican Grill is a popular restaurant known for its delicious food. They offer jobs for kitchen staff and front-of-house employees. Salaries are fair for the industry.
How does the cost of living in Altoona, IA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index for Altoona, IA, provides insights for job seekers considering a move to this area. Housing costs in Altoona are notably lower than the nationwide average, with an index of 78. This means that housing expenses in Altoona are 22% cheaper than the average cost across the nation. For someone relocating, this can translate to significant savings, making housing more affordable compared to many other regions.
Other cost factors also show varying differences from the nationwide average of 100. Groceries in Altoona come in at 95, indicating that they are 5% cheaper than the national average. Utilities are slightly below the national average at 90, representing a 10% reduction in cost. Transportation costs are 83, which is 17% below the average. Healthcare costs in Altoona, at 92, are 8% lower than the national average, offering potential savings in this essential area. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly lower, at an index of 88, which reflects an overall 12% reduction in miscellaneous costs compared to the national average. These indices show that Altoona presents a generally favorable cost of living for those relocating.



