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What is the average salary in Altoona, IA?

The average salary in Altoona, IA is $44,666 per year.

Exploring salaries in Altoona, IA, reveals a range of opportunities across various sectors. The average yearly salary stands at $44,666, reflecting a well-rounded job market. Most job roles offer salaries from $23,000 to $122,000, catering to different skills and experiences.


The salary distribution showcases a mix of entry-level to senior positions. For instance, 19.61% of jobs fall within the $23,000 to $32,000 range. This indicates many opportunities for those starting out. Meanwhile, 6.90% of roles reach the $50,000 to $59,000 bracket, suggesting solid growth potential. The highest earning jobs, though less common, can go up to $113,000 to $122,000, indicating leadership and specialized roles available.

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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, IA?

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, will find several opportunities for top-paying positions. Registered Nurses lead the list with an average salary of $72,459. This role is critical in healthcare and offers a stable income. Following closely, General Managers earn an average of $59,692, managing various business operations. These positions require specific skills and experience. Registered Nurses need dedication to patient care, while General Managers benefit from strong leadership and organizational abilities. Other high-paying jobs include Maintenance Technicians, Store Managers, and Customer Service Representatives. These roles offer competitive salaries and chances for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $72,459 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $32,661.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,459
    In Altoona, medical facilities value registered nurses. They care for patients and work in hospitals, clinics, and care centers. The work is fulfilling, offering chances to make a difference in people's lives.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Altoona, IA


  2. General Manager
    Average Salary: $59,692
    Managing businesses is a key role in Altoona. General managers oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure smooth daily activities. They work in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
    Find General Manager jobs in Altoona, IA


  3. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $47,142
    Maintenance technicians keep Altoona's buildings and equipment running smoothly. They perform repairs, do regular inspections, and ensure safety. They work in many industries, from hospitality to manufacturing.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Altoona, IA


  4. Store Manager
    Average Salary: $40,545
    Store managers lead retail teams in Altoona. They manage store operations, handle inventory, and ensure a great customer experience. They work for grocery stores, clothing shops, and electronics retailers.
    Find Store Manager jobs in Altoona, IA


  5. Customer Service Representative
    Average Salary: $37,118
    Providing excellent customer service is crucial. These professionals assist customers with inquiries and resolve issues. They work in call centers and in-store for various companies in the area.
    Find Customer Service Representative jobs in Altoona, IA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $36,710
    Servers play a key role in Altoona's dining scene. They take orders, serve food, and ensure customers have a pleasant experience. They work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Altoona, IA


  7. Shift Leader
    Average Salary: $35,956
    Shift leaders oversee teams during their work periods. They ensure tasks are completed efficiently and handle any issues that arise. They work in retail, restaurants, and manufacturing.
    Find Shift Leader jobs in Altoona, IA


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,761
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and meals quickly in Altoona's busy kitchens. They work in restaurants and hotels, ensuring food is made to order and to high standards.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA


  9. Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $32,899
    Sales associates help customers find what they need. They work in various stores, guiding customers and promoting products. This role is crucial for retail businesses.
    Find Sales Associate jobs in Altoona, IA


  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $32,661
    Delivery drivers ensure goods reach customers on time. They drive routes and deliver packages for various companies. This job is essential for e-commerce and local businesses.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Altoona, IA

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

Job seekers in Altoona, IA, can find rewarding roles that pay well without needing a college degree. Top positions include servers, meat cutters, and line cooks. These jobs offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for those seeking stable, high-paying work without a degree. Servers and meat cutters both earn over $36,000 annually, with line cooks close behind at nearly $35,000. Housekeepers and baristas also provide good earnings, with salaries around $32,000 and $31,000, respectively. These roles allow individuals to start earning quickly and build a solid career foundation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Altoona, IA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $36,710 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $24,833.
  1. Server
    Average Salary: $36,710
    Serve guests with a warm and attentive approach. Work in bustling restaurants. Gain experience and tips for outstanding service.
    Find Server jobs in Altoona, IA


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,154
    Prepare cuts of meat for cooking and sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Develop skills in knife handling and portioning.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Altoona, IA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,761
    Prepare ingredients and cook dishes quickly. Work in busy kitchens. Learn the essentials of food preparation and safety.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Altoona, IA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,558
    Maintain cleanliness in hotels and motels. Perform tasks like changing linens and cleaning rooms. Gain experience in hospitality services.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Altoona, IA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,691
    Prepare coffee drinks for customers. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Develop skills in customer service and beverage preparation.
    Find Barista jobs in Altoona, IA


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,653
    Clean dishes and utensils in fast-paced kitchens. Work in restaurants and cafes. Learn the importance of kitchen hygiene and efficiency.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Altoona, IA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $24,833
    Support servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Work in busy dining areas. Gain experience in teamwork and customer service.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Altoona, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, IA?

Companies in Altoona, IA, offer a range of salaries for various positions. West Shore Home leads with an average salary of $69,359. Ziegler CAT follows closely with an average salary of $62,171. These two companies provide some of the highest-paying opportunities in the area. T. Marzetti Company and the Southeast Polk Community School District also offer competitive salaries. T. Marzetti Company pays an average of $49,317, while the Southeast Polk Community School District offers an average salary of $43,628. These companies, along with others like Kwik Trip and Bass Pro Shops, provide solid compensation packages for their employees.
Graph displaying company salaries in Altoona, IA, highlighting West Shore Home with the highest at $69,359 and Hy-Vee, Inc. with the lowest at $36,376.
  1. West Shore Home
    Average Salary: $69,359
    West Shore Home offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It is a reliable company known for its high-quality care and supportive work environment.


  2. Ziegler CAT
    Average Salary: $62,171
    Ziegler CAT is a leader in agricultural and construction equipment. They provide many career opportunities for skilled professionals in a dynamic industry.


  3. T. Marzetti Company
    Average Salary: $49,317
    T. Marzetti Company is a well-known food manufacturer. They focus on producing a wide range of high-quality salad dressings and sauces.


  4. Southeast Polk Community School District
    Average Salary: $43,628
    Southeast Polk Community School District is a local school system. It offers rewarding careers in education with a focus on student success and community involvement.


  5. Kwik Trip
    Average Salary: $43,490
    Kwik Trip is a popular chain of convenience stores and gas stations. They offer a variety of roles with competitive pay and benefits.


  6. Bass Pro Shops
    Average Salary: $39,386
    Bass Pro Shops is a leading retailer in outdoor equipment. It offers many job opportunities with a focus on customer service and outdoor adventure.


  7. Balance Autism
    Average Salary: $38,844
    Balance Autism provides support services for individuals with autism. They are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those they serve.


  8. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc.
    Average Salary: $38,839
    Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc. is a major entertainment venue. It offers diverse jobs in hospitality, gaming, and events.


  9. Pizza Ranch Altoona
    Average Salary: $36,407
    Pizza Ranch Altoona is a family-friendly restaurant. They provide a welcoming environment and offer rewarding jobs in the food service industry.


  10. Hy-Vee, Inc.
    Average Salary: $36,376
    Hy-Vee, Inc. is a well-known supermarket chain. They offer a range of retail and management positions with a focus on customer satisfaction.

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

Altoona, IA presents a cost of living that is notably below the nationwide average. This city scores 84 on the cost of living index, which represents 16% less than the national average of 100. This favorable comparison stands out in several categories, including housing, groceries, and utilities, which all reflect costs well below the average. Lower costs in key areas like housing and groceries suggest that residents of Altoona can enjoy a higher quality of living for less money. For example, housing costs are 25% lower than the national average. This reality makes Altoona an attractive option for professionals and families looking for affordability without compromising on essential services.
Cost of living comparison graph for Altoona, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 15% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 20% lower, healthcare 15% lower, miscellaneous 20% lower.

Altoona, IA, presents a cost of living that is notably different from the nationwide average. Specifically, the housing index stands at 75, indicating that housing costs in Altoona are 25% lower than the national average. This suggests that individuals may find it easier to secure affordable housing options compared to many other areas across the country.


Beyond housing, other categories also reflect a generally lower cost of living in Altoona. For instance, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses all hover around or slightly below the nationwide average of 100. The grocery index is at 85, meaning costs are 15% lower. Utilities and transportation are at 90 and 80, respectively, showing a minor increase and decrease. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs also remain competitive, with indices of 85 and 80. This combination of lower and slightly above-average costs presents an overall favorable scenario for individuals considering a move to Altoona.

There are 219 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
219 Job Openings