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What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?

The average salary in Altoona, IA is $45,340 per year.

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.

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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, can find many opportunities in high-paying roles. Registered Nurses lead the way with an average salary of $72,930. This role is crucial for healthcare and offers stability and good benefits. General Managers also earn well, with an average salary of nearly $60,000. This position involves overseeing business operations, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Other top-paying jobs include Maintenance Technicians, earning about $46,852 on average, and Store Managers, with salaries around $40,000. These roles provide good compensation and the chance to develop valuable skills. Success in these jobs often comes from experience and dedication to quality work.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $72,930 and Cook with the lowest at $32,189.
  1. 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


  2. 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


  3. 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


  4. 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


  5. 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.
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  6. 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.
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  7. 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.
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  8. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $33,293
    Deliver goods to customers. Ensure timely and safe delivery. Companies need reliable drivers to keep operations running.
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  9. Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $32,638
    Help customers find products. Assist with transactions and provide information. This role is important in retail settings.
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  10. Cook
    Average Salary: $32,189
    Prepare meals. Follow recipes and kitchen guidelines. This role requires attention to detail and some cooking experience.
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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA without a degree?

Looking to find a well-paying job in Altoona, IA without a college degree? Several opportunities exist in the area. Serving as a server can bring in an average salary of $36,234. Meat cutters earn about $36,050, while line cooks make around $34,419. Other good options include housekeeping and barista roles, with average salaries of $32,819 and $31,719, respectively. Dishwashers can expect to earn about $30,115, and server assistants make an average of $24,760. These positions offer good income potential for those who prefer to enter the workforce without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $36,234 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $24,760.
  1. 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


  2. 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


  3. 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


  4. 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


  5. 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


  6. 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


  7. 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?

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, can find rewarding opportunities with competitive pay. Companies like West Shore Home and Ziegler CAT lead the way, offering some of the highest salaries in the area. These top employers provide not only attractive wages but also chances for career growth and stability. The average salaries at these companies reflect their commitment to employee compensation. West Shore Home tops the list with an average salary of $66,936, followed closely by Ziegler CAT at $62,992. These figures indicate that professionals can expect fair pay while working in Altoona, making these employers attractive choices for career development.
Graph displaying company salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting West Shore Home with the highest at $66,936 and Rocket Carwash with the lowest at $31,806.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. Bass Pro Shops
    Average Salary: $38,728
    Bass Pro Shops sells outdoor sports gear. They provide many job opportunities in retail and customer service.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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 in Altoona, IA, presents a favorable scenario compared to the nationwide average. Housing in Altoona stands at 78, indicating that it costs 22% less than the national average. Furthermore, the grocery index at 92 shows a modest 8% increase over the national average, while utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also reflect minor deviations. Overall, Altoona offers a lower cost of living by 12% compared to the nationwide average of 100. This includes a significant reduction in housing costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Cost of living comparison graph for Altoona, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 22% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 15% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

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.

There are 243 job openings in Altoona, IA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Altoona, IA

Discover what it's like to work in Altoona, IA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Altoona, IA
243 Job Openings