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What is the average salary in Fort Dodge, IA?

The average salary in Fort Dodge, IA is $59,110 per year.

Fort Dodge, IA, offers a variety of salary opportunities across different sectors. The average yearly salary for employees is around $59,110. This figure reflects a mix of industries, with notable concentrations in key areas. For instance, jobs in healthcare and education tend to have higher average salaries, contributing to the overall salary distribution.


Salaries in Fort Dodge span a wide range. The largest group, making up 20.78% of the workforce, earns around $24,500 annually. A smaller percentage, at 1.02%, enjoys salaries upwards of $136,000. This range indicates that while there are opportunities for both lower- and higher-paying jobs, the majority of roles fall in the middle. This diverse salary landscape provides options for job seekers with varying experience levels and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Dodge, IA?

Fort Dodge, Iowa, offers a variety of jobs with competitive salaries. Among the top-paying positions, the Traveling Nurse stands out with an average salary of $128,179. This role often provides flexibility and the chance to work in different locations. Another well-paid job in the area is the Registered Nurse, with an average salary of $91,074. Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive quality care. Other high-paying jobs in Fort Dodge include Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, both offering salaries over $80,000. CDL Drivers and General Managers also earn above-average incomes. These opportunities can help job seekers find rewarding and well-compensated careers in Fort Dodge.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Dodge, IA, highlighting Traveling Nurse with the highest at $128,179 and Production Operator with the lowest at $48,498.
  1. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,179
    This role offers exciting travel opportunities. Nurses provide care in various settings. Agencies like Travel Nursing seek qualified professionals.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $91,074
    RNs play a vital role in patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Organizations such as UnityPoint Health provide rewarding opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $84,680
    This position helps people with communication challenges. SLPs work in healthcare and schools. Employers like TheraCare look for skilled professionals.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $81,530
    Occupational therapists assist patients in regaining skills. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Companies such as AccentCare offer fulfilling roles.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  5. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $73,023
    Driving a truck can be a steady job. Drivers transport goods across the state. Companies like CRST Expedited seek experienced drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $61,657
    This role involves overseeing store operations. Managers ensure smooth day-to-day activities. Businesses like Hy-Vee look for capable leaders.
    Find General Manager jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  7. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $60,777
    LPNs provide essential patient care. They work in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Facilities such as Iowa Specialty Hospitals need dedicated LPNs.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $52,949
    Technicians support various technical tasks. They work in industries from IT to manufacturing. Companies like Vermeer Corporation hire skilled technicians.
    Find Technician jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  9. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $48,643
    Maintenance technicians keep facilities running smoothly. They work in commercial and industrial settings. Businesses such as John Deere require reliable technicians.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  10. Production Operator
    Average Salary: $48,498
    Production operators run machinery in manufacturing. They ensure products meet quality standards. Companies like Hormel Foods offer stable employment.
    Find Production Operator jobs in Fort Dodge, IA

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

Fort Dodge, IA, offers several high-paying job opportunities that do not need a college degree. One of the top jobs is being a concrete laborer, with an average salary of $65,296. This role involves working on construction sites to lay concrete, build structures, and help with repairs. Another well-paying job is that of a concrete finisher, with an average salary of $48,521. This position requires smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces to ensure they meet quality standards. These jobs provide good pay and valuable skills in a hands-on work environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Dodge, IA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Laborer with the highest at $65,296 and Line Cook with the lowest at $29,250.
  1. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $65,296
    This role involves preparing concrete, reinforcing it, and placing it. Workers often assist skilled tradespeople on construction sites. They might work with companies like local construction firms.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $48,521
    These professionals shape and finish concrete surfaces. They smooth and texture concrete, using tools to ensure a polished look. Employment can be found with construction companies in the area.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $33,672
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in local restaurants, ensuring diners have a pleasant experience. This job requires good customer service skills and teamwork.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $33,291
    This role involves assisting in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. Employees work in fast-paced restaurant environments, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly. Positions can be found at popular local eateries.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,369
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. They ensure guests have a clean and comfortable environment. This role can provide steady work in local hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $29,250
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook dishes quickly and efficiently. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, often in local restaurants. Teamwork and quick thinking are essential for this role.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Fort Dodge, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Dodge, IA?

Job seekers in Fort Dodge, IA, have several top employers offering competitive salaries. K&B Transportation stands out with an average salary of $84,372, providing an excellent opportunity for those seeking a higher income. Following closely behind are Elanco and Nestlé Purina, with average salaries of $72,993 and $69,792, respectively. For those looking for a good balance of salary and benefits, Jensen Builders, Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation, and the City of Fort Dodge also offer attractive compensation packages. Nestlé Purina, Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation, and the City of Fort Dodge provide average salaries of around $61,992, $58,707, and $58,301, respectively. These companies are known for their supportive work environments and benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Dodge, IA, highlighting K&B Transportation with the highest at $84,372 and CJ Bio America Inc. with the lowest at $47,097.
  1. K&B Transportation
    Average Salary: $84,372
    K&B Transportation offers excellent benefits and competitive salaries. They specialize in freight transportation, with a focus on safety and efficiency.


  2. Elanco
    Average Salary: $72,993
    Elanco provides animal health solutions. They focus on creating products that improve the health and well-being of animals. Their benefits and salary packages are very attractive.


  3. Nestlé Purina
    Average Salary: $69,792
    Nestlé Purina is a well-known company in pet food. They offer a wide range of benefits and competitive salaries. They are dedicated to pet health and nutrition.


  4. Jensen Builders
    Average Salary: $61,992
    Jensen Builders specializes in construction. They offer quality construction services and fair compensation. They value their employees and offer a great work environment.


  5. Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
    Average Salary: $58,707
    Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation provides healthcare services. They focus on patient care and well-being. They offer decent salaries and benefits for their staff.


  6. City of Fort Dodge
    Average Salary: $58,301
    The City of Fort Dodge offers municipal services. They provide a variety of public services and are committed to community well-being. Salaries and benefits are competitive.


  7. State of Iowa
    Average Salary: $57,778
    The State of Iowa offers a wide range of public services. They provide various opportunities for career growth and stability. Salaries are competitive with good benefits.


  8. Iowa Central Community College
    Average Salary: $53,235
    Iowa Central Community College offers educational services. They focus on providing quality education. They offer competitive salaries and benefits for their educators.


  9. UnityPoint Health
    Average Salary: $52,046
    UnityPoint Health provides healthcare services. They focus on patient care and well-being. They offer decent salaries and benefits for their staff.


  10. CJ Bio America Inc.
    Average Salary: $47,097
    CJ Bio America Inc. specializes in the food and beverage industry. They offer a variety of products and focus on quality. They provide fair compensation and benefits.

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

Fort Dodge, IA, offers a cost of living significantly below the nationwide average. With an overall index of 87, job seekers can expect expenses to be about 13% lower than in many other parts of the country. This lower cost of living makes Fort Dodge an attractive option for those looking to balance quality of life with affordability. Housing costs in Fort Dodge stand at 79, which is 21% below the national average of 100. This reduction in housing expenses can greatly enhance the financial stability for new residents. Additionally, groceries and utilities remain close to the national average, providing further cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Dodge, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 21% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 6% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Fort Dodge, IA, has a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing, for example, is 79 in Fort Dodge, meaning it costs about 21% less than the national average. This lower housing cost can be a significant advantage for job seekers looking to save money on one of the largest expenses.


Additionally, utilities in Fort Dodge stand at 90, just 10% below the national average. Groceries and miscellaneous items are also slightly below average, at 92 and 88 respectively. This makes Fort Dodge an attractive location for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing too many comforts. Transportation costs are at 85, which is 15% less than the national average, offering another saving for residents. Healthcare costs, at 94, are only 6% below the national average, providing additional peace of mind for new residents. Overall, Fort Dodge offers a cost of living that is well-balanced and generally more affordable compared to the national average.

There are 411 job openings in Fort Dodge, IA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Fort Dodge, IA

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Fort Dodge, IA
411 Job Openings