What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?
Altoona, IA, offers a range of job opportunities with varying salaries. The average yearly salary is around $45,340. This reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area. Most positions fall within a specific salary range, providing stability and growth potential for workers.
Salaries in Altoona span a broad spectrum. For instance, the lowest-paying jobs start at about $23,000 a year. At the other end, top earners can make around $127,000 annually. These figures show that there are many options for different skill levels and career stages. The distribution of these salaries highlights the opportunities available for those seeking a balance between earnings and job satisfaction.
What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

-
Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $72,930
Work with healthcare teams to care for patients. Opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Companies like Altoona Regional Health System offer great support.
Find Registered Nurse jobs in Altoona, IA
-
General Manager
Average Salary: $59,998
Oversee daily operations. Manage staff, budgets, and customer service. This role fits in various industries, from retail to restaurants. Local businesses value leadership and experience.
Find General Manager jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $46,852
Fix and maintain equipment. Ensure facilities run smoothly. Companies need skilled technicians to keep operations on track.
Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Store Manager
Average Salary: $39,965
Supervise store staff and operations. Maintain inventory and handle customer inquiries. This role is vital for keeping the business running in retail settings.
Find Store Manager jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $36,898
Help customers with inquiries and issues. Work in a fast-paced environment. Companies value good communication and problem-solving skills.
Find Customer Service Representative jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Shift Leader
Average Salary: $35,615
Lead a team during a specific shift. Ensure tasks are completed. This role requires good people skills and some management experience.
Find Shift Leader jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,419
Prepare ingredients and cook food. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. This role is essential in the food service industry.
Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $33,293
Deliver goods to customers. Ensure timely and safe delivery. Companies need reliable drivers to keep operations running.
Find Delivery Driver jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Sales Associate
Average Salary: $32,638
Help customers find products. Assist with transactions and provide information. This role is important in retail settings.
Find Sales Associate jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Cook
Average Salary: $32,189
Prepare meals. Follow recipes and kitchen guidelines. This role requires attention to detail and some cooking experience.
Find Cook jobs in Altoona, IA
What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA without a degree?

-
Server
Average Salary: $36,234
Working in this role, you'll serve food and drinks to customers. You'll work in restaurants and cafes, taking orders and delivering food. Popular places include local diners and chain restaurants.
Find Server jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $36,050
This job involves cutting and packaging meat products. You'll work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Tasks include trimming and cutting meat to customer specifications.
Find Meat Cutter jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,419
As a line cook, you'll prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced environment. This role is common in restaurants and fast-food chains. You'll work quickly to meet customer demand.
Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $32,819
In this position, you'll clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. You'll work in hotels and motels, ensuring spaces are tidy and welcoming. Tasks include making beds and restocking supplies.
Find Housekeeping jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Barista
Average Salary: $31,719
This role involves preparing and serving coffee and other beverages. You'll work in coffee shops and cafes. Responsibilities include taking orders and brewing coffee to perfection.
Find Barista jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Dishwasher
Average Salary: $30,115
You'll clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in this job. This role is common in restaurants and cafes. Tasks include washing dishes by hand and ensuring the kitchen is clean.
Find Dishwasher jobs in Altoona, IA
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $24,760
As a server assistant, you'll support servers in their duties. You'll work in restaurants, helping with tasks like setting up tables and busing dishes. This role is great for those who enjoy working in a team.
Find Server Assistant jobs in Altoona, IA
Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, IA?

-
West Shore Home
Average Salary: $66,936
West Shore Home offers a range of senior living options. They focus on providing quality care and enriching activities for their residents.
-
Ziegler CAT
Average Salary: $62,992
Ziegler CAT provides construction and agriculture equipment. They are a leader in heavy machinery and offer good benefits to their employees.
-
Southeast Polk Community School District
Average Salary: $43,941
This school district serves students in the southeastern part of Polk County. They offer various educational programs and opportunities for professional growth.
-
Kwik Trip
Average Salary: $43,600
Kwik Trip is a convenience store chain known for its quality gas and food. They provide a good working environment and benefits.
-
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc.
Average Salary: $39,276
This company runs a racetrack and casino. They offer various entertainment and job opportunities for people interested in gaming and hospitality.
-
Bass Pro Shops
Average Salary: $38,728
Bass Pro Shops sells outdoor sports gear. They provide many job opportunities in retail and customer service.
-
Balance Autism
Average Salary: $38,384
Balance Autism provides services for children with autism. They offer support and programs to help these children develop important skills.
-
Pizza Ranch Altoona
Average Salary: $36,697
Pizza Ranch Altoona is a popular dining place. They serve delicious pizzas and offer part-time and full-time positions to their employees.
-
Hy-Vee, Inc.
Average Salary: $36,407
Hy-Vee is a grocery store chain. They offer various retail and management positions with good benefits and employee perks.
-
Rocket Carwash
Average Salary: $31,806
Rocket Carwash provides car cleaning services. They offer entry-level positions with opportunities for advancement.
How does the cost of living in Altoona, IA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Altoona, IA shows that residents experience a more affordable lifestyle in several key areas compared to the nationwide average. For housing, the index stands at 78, which means that housing costs about 22% lower than the national average. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their housing expenses without sacrificing quality of living.
In other areas, Altoona maintains a more competitive position relative to the nationwide average of 100. Groceries, for instance, are priced at 92, indicating a 2% lower cost compared to the average. Utilities cost about 85, which means they are 15% below the national average. Transportation costs are also slightly lower, with an index of 90, reflecting a 10% decrease. Healthcare costs, at 95, are about 5% below the national average, offering some relief for residents. Overall, Altoona provides a more budget-friendly living experience in several important categories.



