What is the average salary in Fort Dodge, IA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Dodge, IA?

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

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, 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.



