Overview Salaries

Salaries in Altoona, IA

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?

The average salary in Altoona, IA is $45,654 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Altoona, IA, showing an average salary of $45,654 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Altoona, IA, showing an average salary of $3,804 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Altoona, IA, showing an average salary of $878 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Altoona, IA, showing an average salary of $22 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Altoona, IA, job seekers can find a variety of opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $45,654. This average helps provide a clear picture of the earning potential in the area. Various industries contribute to this average, offering competitive compensation.

Looking at the salary distribution, most jobs pay between $23,000 and $125,000 per year. Key sectors include healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, where most workers find employment. This distribution shows a diverse job market with opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals. The range of salaries indicates room for growth and advancement.

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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, can find good opportunities in top-paying roles. General Managers lead businesses and earn the highest average salary at $60,822. Maintenance Technicians and Store Managers also provide solid incomes, with average salaries of $46,632 and $40,630, respectively. These positions offer a mix of responsibility and financial reward, making them attractive career options for those seeking stability and growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting General Manager with the highest at $60,822 and Team Member with the lowest at $31,084.

  1. General Manager
    Average Salary: $60,822
    Manage day-to-day operations. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work with local businesses to enhance sales.
    Find General Manager jobs in Altoona, IA


  2. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $46,632
    Fix and maintain equipment. Ensure machinery runs smoothly. Work in local factories and warehouses.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Altoona, IA


  3. Store Manager
    Average Salary: $40,630
    Lead a team of employees. Manage inventory and sales. Work in retail stores around the city.
    Find Store Manager jobs in Altoona, IA


  4. Shift Leader
    Average Salary: $35,708
    Supervise a team during a specific shift. Ensure tasks are completed. Work in various local businesses.
    Find Shift Leader jobs in Altoona, IA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,812
    Prepare ingredients and cook food. Work in fast-paced kitchens. Prepare meals for local diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA


  6. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $33,562
    Deliver goods to customers. Maintain a clean vehicle. Work for local businesses and services.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Altoona, IA


  7. Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $32,682
    Assist customers in making purchases. Stock shelves and assist with displays. Work in retail stores.
    Find Sales Associate jobs in Altoona, IA


  8. Cook
    Average Salary: $32,423
    Prepare meals using recipes. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in local restaurants.
    Find Cook jobs in Altoona, IA


  9. Cashier
    Average Salary: $32,168
    Operate the cash register. Process transactions accurately. Work in retail and grocery stores.
    Find Cashier jobs in Altoona, IA


  10. Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,084
    Assist customers and handle various tasks. Work in a team environment. Available in local businesses.
    Find Team Member jobs in Altoona, IA

What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA without a degree?

Opportunities abound in Altoona, IA, for job seekers looking to earn a good income without needing a degree. Among the top-paying positions are roles like Server, Line Cook, and Housekeeping. These jobs offer competitive salaries and valuable experience in their respective fields. Servers, Line Cooks, and Housekeeping staff can expect to earn above the average local salary. These positions provide the chance to work in dynamic environments and develop important skills. Job seekers in Altoona can find rewarding careers with these roles, which do not require a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $36,017 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $24,630.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $36,017
    Serve food and drinks to guests. Take orders and ensure satisfaction. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Altoona, IA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,812
    Prepare food in fast-paced kitchen environments. Work quickly to meet orders. Cook in local eateries and diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,819
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Work for hotels and motels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Altoona, IA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,654
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Provide excellent customer service. Work in coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Altoona, IA


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,260
    Wash dishes and clean kitchen areas. Maintain a tidy work environment. Work in restaurants and dining facilities.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Altoona, IA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $24,630
    Help servers with tasks such as setting tables and clearing dishes. Work in a team to provide good service. Assist in family-style restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Altoona, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, IA?

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, have a variety of companies to consider when looking for the best pay. Ziegler CAT leads the way with the highest average salary at $64,689. This company offers a strong earning potential for those seeking competitive compensation. Other notable companies in the area include Kwik Trip and the Southeast Polk Community School District, both offering average salaries that exceed $40,000. These companies provide good opportunities for those looking to balance job satisfaction with financial rewards. For those seeking slightly lower, yet still respectable salaries, options like Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc., and Balance Autism provide average salaries around $40,000 and $38,000 respectively. Smaller but stable earnings can be found at businesses like Pizza Ranch Altoona, Hy-Vee, Inc., and Rocket Carwash, where average salaries range from $36,000 to $31,000.
Graph displaying company salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting Ziegler CAT with the highest at $64,689 and Pancheros Mexican Grill with the lowest at $30,413.

  1. Ziegler CAT
    Average Salary: $64,689
    Ziegler CAT provides equipment and services to various industries. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Kwik Trip
    Average Salary: $44,258
    Kwik Trip is a well-known convenience store chain. They provide good wages and a supportive work environment.


  3. Southeast Polk Community School District
    Average Salary: $43,402
    This school district offers teaching and administrative positions. Salaries are competitive for the education sector.


  4. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc.
    Average Salary: $39,390
    Prairie Meadows offers jobs in gaming, hospitality, and management. They provide a dynamic work environment with decent pay.


  5. Balance Autism
    Average Salary: $38,231
    Balance Autism provides services for individuals with autism. They offer rewarding jobs with competitive salaries for the sector.


  6. Pizza Ranch Altoona
    Average Salary: $37,033
    Pizza Ranch Altoona is a local restaurant. They offer good wages and a family-friendly work atmosphere.


  7. Hy-Vee, Inc.
    Average Salary: $36,070
    Hy-Vee is a popular grocery store chain. They provide benefits and competitive wages for their employees.


  8. Rocket Carwash
    Average Salary: $31,866
    Rocket Carwash offers jobs in the automotive care industry. They provide decent wages and opportunities for growth.


  9. Pancheros Mexican Grill
    Average Salary: $30,413
    Pancheros offers fast food jobs with competitive wages. The company is known for its welcoming work culture.

How does the cost of living in Altoona, IA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Altoona, IA, shows that residents experience lower expenses in housing and miscellaneous items compared to the nationwide average. Altoona's housing index is at 85, about 15% below the national average of 100. This suggests that housing in Altoona is notably more affordable. The miscellaneous index at 88 also indicates savings in everyday expenses, which can help balance the overall cost of living. Despite these lower costs, some areas like groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare align closely with the national average, providing a balanced picture for potential residents. This moderate cost of living makes Altoona a potentially attractive place for job seekers looking for a reasonable balance between affordability and quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Altoona, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living index in Altoona, IA, reveals a mix of both advantages and challenges for residents. When compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100, Altoona’s housing costs stand at 85. This means that housing expenses in Altoona are 15% lower than the national average. Such a significant reduction can be very appealing for job seekers looking to save on living expenses, as they will likely have more disposable income for other needs.


Exploring other areas, Altoona’s groceries cost index is 95, only 5% below the national average. This indicates that the cost of food is quite comparable to other parts of the country. Utilities in Altoona are priced at 90, which is 10% lower than the average, providing additional savings for residents. Transportation costs also mirror the national average at 90, suggesting that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are not much different. Healthcare costs remain consistent with the nationwide average at 100, ensuring that essential medical services do not incur extra costs. Lastly, the miscellaneous cost index of 88 implies that day-to-day expenses are 12% lower than the average, offering an overall reduction in living costs. These factors make Altoona an attractive option for those seeking a balanced cost of living with some savings in key areas.

There are 257 job openings in Altoona, IA, today!

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Altoona, IA
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