What is the average salary in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Job seekers in Cedar Rapids, IA, can find a range of salaries across different industries. The city offers competitive wages with an average yearly salary of $66,820. This reflects a strong job market with opportunities for various professionals.
Some of the top-paying jobs in Cedar Rapids include positions in manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. The highest-paying jobs offer salaries upwards of $175,000 annually. Common high-paying roles include software developers, engineers, and healthcare administrators. A detailed look at the salary distribution shows the range from $26,000 to $190,000. This variety makes Cedar Rapids an attractive place for job seekers looking for growth and stability.
What are the best paying jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $162,399
These professionals diagnose and treat health issues. They work in hospitals and clinics, collaborating with other healthcare providers. In Cedar Rapids, expect to work with facilities like Mercy Medical Center.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $159,951
Principal Engineers lead design and development projects. They work on cutting-edge solutions for tech firms. In Cedar Rapids, they may contribute to advancements at companies like Rockwell Collins.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $124,688
They design and test electrical systems. Working on everything from small components to large-scale networks, they ensure systems function safely and efficiently. In Cedar Rapids, opportunities exist with local tech companies.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $119,049
Traveling Nurses provide care in various locations. They offer their skills on a temporary basis to different healthcare facilities. They meet the needs of different communities in Cedar Rapids, working for places like UnityPoint Health.
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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $118,961
These professionals operate imaging equipment to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They work closely with radiologists and physicians, ensuring accurate imaging results. Opportunities exist at Cedar Rapids medical centers.
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Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $116,222
Systems Engineers manage and integrate computer systems. They troubleshoot and ensure smooth operation. They play a key role in maintaining IT infrastructure for local businesses and organizations.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $113,872
Software Engineers develop and maintain software applications. They write code and test applications to ensure they work correctly. They often work in tech firms, contributing to innovative solutions.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $110,445
These professionals oversee technical projects. They coordinate teams and ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards. They work in a variety of sectors, guiding projects from start to finish.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $110,227
Respiratory Therapists help patients with breathing difficulties. They work in hospitals and clinics, providing care and therapy to improve patients' quality of life. They play a vital role in patient recovery.
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Superintendent
Average Salary: $109,670
Superintendents manage construction projects. They coordinate teams and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They work with various contractors and suppliers, overseeing large-scale developments.
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What are the best paying jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $83,333
This job involves inspecting and verifying the quality of goods in warehouses. Companies like Sysco and Hy-Vee are hiring. Work often takes place at distribution centers where safety and compliance are key.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $57,897
In this role, the worker smooths and levels concrete surfaces on new constructions. They use tools and machines to ensure a perfect finish. Local companies like ABC Construction are often looking to fill these positions.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $54,735
This job means overseeing daily operations in a busy restaurant. Managers handle staff scheduling, inventory, and customer service. Chains like Applebee's and local spots are always on the lookout for skilled managers.
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Loader Operator
Average Salary: $46,722
Loader operators move goods and materials around a facility. They load and unload trucks or transport items within the building. Companies in logistics and retail depend on these workers for smooth operations.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $41,964
Service team members provide excellent customer service in various settings. They often greet customers and help them find what they need. This role is common at supermarkets like Hy-Vee and retail stores.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $41,054
Lawn care technicians maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and other maintenance tasks. They work for landscaping companies or independently. The job often involves outdoor work, so comfort with the elements is key.
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Painter Helper
Average Salary: $40,960
Painter helpers assist professional painters in applying paint and finishes to surfaces. They prepare areas, mix paint, and clean up. This job often takes place in construction and interior design projects.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $37,961
Meat cutters work in butcher shops, slicing and portioning meat. They ensure portions meet customer needs and safety standards. This role is important in grocery stores and local butcheries.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $37,908
Landscaping professionals create and maintain outdoor spaces. They plant flowers, trees, and maintain lawns. Many landscapers work for companies or independently, focusing on residential or commercial projects.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $36,729
Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of buildings and parks. They mow lawns, trim hedges, and ensure areas are clean. This role is common in schools, offices, and public parks.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA?

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Collins Aerospace
Average Salary: $129,765
Collins Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. They offer a variety of job opportunities and competitive salaries.
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Leaf Home
Average Salary: $120,548
Leaf Home is a well-known company in Cedar Rapids, known for its high-quality residential products. They provide excellent benefits and salaries.
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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $118,726
BAE Systems USA is a top player in the defense sector, offering jobs with strong salaries and benefits. Their work environment is both dynamic and rewarding.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $117,928
Skyworks Solutions is a leading semiconductor company. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to work in cutting-edge technology.
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Mortenson Construction
Average Salary: $110,060
Mortenson Construction is a major player in the construction industry. They offer attractive salaries and a chance to work on big projects.
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FUSION Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $103,556
FUSION Medical Staffing provides excellent staffing solutions and offers competitive pay. They focus on placing qualified professionals in various roles.
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Eastern Iowa Health Center
Average Salary: $94,511
Eastern Iowa Health Center offers rewarding careers in healthcare. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.
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Alliant Energy
Average Salary: $93,347
Alliant Energy is a leading utility company. They offer good salaries and benefits, making it a stable career choice.
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K&B Transportation
Average Salary: $92,002
K&B Transportation provides logistics and transportation services. They offer solid salaries and a chance to work with a reputable company.
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Transamerica
Average Salary: $88,661
Transamerica is a financial services company. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to work in a well-established firm.
How does the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA compare to the national average?

Cedar Rapids, IA offers a cost of living that is notably below the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index for Cedar Rapids stands at 88, which means it is 12% lower than the average cost of living across the country. This lower cost of living is primarily driven by housing, which is 15% cheaper in Cedar Rapids compared to the national average. Housing costs here are indexed at 85, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their living expenses.
In other areas, Cedar Rapids also tends to be less expensive. For groceries, Cedar Rapids’ index is 90, which is 10% below the nationwide average. Utilities in Cedar Rapids are priced at 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Transportation costs are indexed at 90, another 10% under the national average. Healthcare costs, though slightly higher, are indexed at 95, only 5% above the nationwide average. Miscellaneous costs are indexed at 92, which is 8% lower. These factors combined make Cedar Rapids a cost-effective place to live for those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing too many comforts.



