What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?
In Altoona, IA, job opportunities come with a variety of salary ranges. The average yearly salary stands at $45,074. This figure provides a baseline for understanding the earnings potential in the area. A significant portion of jobs, around 26.12%, falls within the salary range of $23,500 to $32,709 annually. This range suggests that many positions offer decent pay for entry-level or mid-career professionals.
Altoona, IA also provides opportunities for higher earnings. About 31.94% of jobs offer salaries between $32,709 and $41,918. Higher-paying positions include roles that require specialized skills or experience. Additionally, the top earners in Altoona, IA, who make up 1.58% of the workforce, enjoy salaries over $97,173 annually. These figures indicate a diverse job market with room for growth and advancement.
What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

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General Manager
Average Salary: $64,586
Oversee store operations and staff. Ensure smooth daily functions and customer satisfaction. Often work with local businesses to boost sales.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $46,402
Fix and maintain equipment and facilities. Keep everything running smoothly. Work in areas like hotels or manufacturing.
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Store Manager
Average Salary: $41,332
Lead and manage store staff. Make sure sales targets are met. Work in various retail environments, including supermarkets.
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Shift Leader
Average Salary: $35,266
Supervise staff during a specific time period. Ensure tasks are completed. Often work in retail, restaurants, or warehouses.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,727
Prepare ingredients and cook food items. Work in fast-paced environments. Often work in restaurants or food service.
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Cashier
Average Salary: $32,799
Handle transactions at a register. Provide excellent customer service. Work in retail stores and supermarkets.
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Team Member
Average Salary: $32,174
Perform various tasks to support store operations. Work in a team to achieve goals. Often work in retail or food service.
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Sales Associate
Average Salary: $31,238
Help customers find products and complete purchases. Provide excellent customer service. Work in retail stores and boutiques.
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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $36,551
Serve customers in a friendly manner. Take orders and serve food and beverages. Work in a team to ensure a great dining experience. Restaurants like The Village Inn and local cafes offer these jobs.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,727
Prepare food quickly and efficiently. Work in a fast-paced environment. Follow recipes and maintain food safety standards. Local eateries and hotels provide these positions.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $32,970
Clean and maintain rooms. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Work in hotels or other lodging facilities. The Holiday Inn and local bed-and-breakfasts hire for these roles.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $31,291
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work in busy restaurants or cafes. Places like local diners and food trucks need these workers.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $23,857
Help servers with tasks. Ensure tables are set and stocked. Work in a team to assist with the dining experience. Many restaurants and cafes look for these helpers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, IA?

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Ziegler CAT
Average Salary: $67,178
Ziegler CAT is a leading dealer for Caterpillar equipment. They offer jobs in sales, service, and parts. Ziegler CAT is known for its strong benefits and opportunities for career growth.
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Kwik Trip
Average Salary: $46,136
Kwik Trip is a popular convenience store chain. They offer a variety of positions from retail sales to management. The company is known for its good work environment and competitive pay.
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Southeast Polk Community School District
Average Salary: $43,436
The Southeast Polk Community School District provides education services. They offer teaching, administrative, and support staff positions. They value professional development and community involvement.
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Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc.
Average Salary: $40,165
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino offers jobs in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. It is a major employer in Altoona, offering a variety of opportunities for growth and development.
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Pizza Ranch Altoona
Average Salary: $38,601
Pizza Ranch Altoona is part of a chain of family-owned pizza restaurants. They offer positions in kitchen and server roles. It is a great place for those who enjoy the fast-paced restaurant environment.
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Balance Autism
Average Salary: $38,134
Balance Autism provides services for individuals with autism. They offer roles in therapy and support services. The company is dedicated to improving the lives of those they serve.
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Rocket Carwash
Average Salary: $31,575
Rocket Carwash offers car washing services. They provide positions for car wash attendants and managers. It is a good option for those looking for steady, hands-on work.
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Pancheros Mexican Grill
Average Salary: $30,444
Pancheros Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant. They offer positions in food preparation and customer service. It is a lively workplace with a focus on quality food and service.
How does the cost of living in Altoona, IA compare to the national average?

Altoona, IA, presents a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. Specifically, the housing index stands at 80, which is 20% lower than the national benchmark of 100. This means that, on average, housing costs in Altoona are less expensive for residents and job seekers.
The transportation index in Altoona is also slightly lower at 85, which is 15% below the national average. This indicates that commuting and related expenses are more affordable compared to the nationwide standard. However, groceries in Altoona are relatively close to the average, with an index of 95, only 5% below the 100 mark. Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are slightly above the national average, at 90 and 92, respectively. These figures suggest that while some aspects of living in Altoona are cheaper, others are comparable to the national costs.



