What is the average salary in Fort Dodge, IA?
Fort Dodge, IA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $58,526, making it an attractive place for professionals. Salaries range from $24,500 to over $141,000, depending on the industry and role.
Here are some common salary ranges in Fort Dodge:
- Entry-level positions: $24,500 - $35,131
- Mid-level roles: $45,762 - $67,024
- Senior positions: $77,655 - $109,547
- Top management: $120,178 - $141,440
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Dodge, IA?

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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $127,849
Traveling nurses work in different health facilities, offering care to patients. These opportunities can come from local hospitals and national healthcare providers. Fort Dodge has a need for skilled travel nurses.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $91,231
RNs provide essential care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Many of them work with local health institutions and specialized care centers. Fort Dodge offers diverse opportunities for nursing professionals.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $84,277
These professionals help people with communication and swallowing disorders. They often work with schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Fort Dodge’s health and education sectors need skilled SLPs.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $80,558
Occupational therapists work with patients to help them regain skills for daily activities. They can be found in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Fort Dodge offers many positions in these settings.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $71,297
CDL drivers transport goods across states. Many local companies and logistics firms need experienced drivers. Fort Dodge’s freight and delivery sectors have good job opportunities.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $62,945
LPNs work under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They provide basic care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Fort Dodge’s healthcare facilities offer many LPN roles.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $62,153
General managers oversee the operations of businesses. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Many local businesses and retail stores need experienced managers.
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Technician
Average Salary: $53,912
Technicians work with equipment and machinery in various industries. They ensure everything runs smoothly and fix issues. Fort Dodge has many opportunities in manufacturing and repair shops.
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Production Operator
Average Salary: $48,866
Production operators run machines and monitor production processes. They work in factories and production plants. Fort Dodge offers many jobs in manufacturing and processing facilities.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $48,713
Maintenance technicians fix and maintain equipment and facilities. They work in various settings, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Fort Dodge has many positions in maintenance and repair services.
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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: $61,325
Concrete laborers mix, pour, and smooth concrete. They work on construction sites for local businesses. They use tools and equipment to shape and finish surfaces. Laborers may need to lift heavy materials.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $48,034
Concrete finishers shape and smooth concrete. They work on construction sites for commercial and industrial projects. They use trowels and other tools to finish surfaces. Teamwork with concrete laborers is essential for smooth project completion.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,576
Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food and drinks. They interact with customers to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Servers must be detail-oriented and work well under pressure to manage tables and orders efficiently.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $33,291
Kitchen team members help prepare food and maintain the kitchen area. They assist cooks and dishwashers in busy environments. This role involves multitasking and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $29,413
Line cooks prepare meals quickly and efficiently in busy kitchens. They work on assembly lines, focusing on speed and quality. Line cooks must follow recipes and maintain a clean workspace. This role is ideal for those who love cooking and working in a team.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $28,909
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other lodging facilities. They ensure a welcoming environment for guests. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting. It's a great job for those who enjoy making others feel at home.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Dodge, IA?

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K&B Transportation
Average Salary: $84,814
K&B Transportation offers good jobs with competitive salaries. They provide transportation services and prioritize safety and efficiency.
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Elanco
Average Salary: $74,532
Elanco is a leader in animal health and nutrition. They offer a positive work environment and opportunities to grow.
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Nestlé Purina
Average Salary: $69,575
Nestlé Purina provides top-tier pet and animal food. The company values innovation and quality, offering competitive salaries.
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Jensen Builders
Average Salary: $60,978
Jensen Builders specializes in construction and development. They are known for their quality work and offer good pay.
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Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
Average Salary: $59,093
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation offers care and support services. The company values its staff and provides fair salaries.
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City of Fort Dodge
Average Salary: $58,921
The City of Fort Dodge provides various municipal services. They offer stable jobs with good compensation.
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State of Iowa
Average Salary: $58,254
The State of Iowa offers a wide range of employment opportunities. They provide competitive salaries and benefits.
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Iowa Central Community College
Average Salary: $53,285
Iowa Central Community College provides educational services. They offer a supportive environment and fair pay.
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UnityPoint Health
Average Salary: $52,820
UnityPoint Health provides healthcare services. They are known for their commitment to patient care and staff.
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Fort Dodge Community School District
Average Salary: $38,456
Fort Dodge Community School District offers education services. They are committed to student success and offer reasonable salaries.
How does the cost of living in Fort Dodge, IA compare to the national average?

Fort Dodge, Iowa, presents a cost of living that stands at 82 when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. This figure suggests that living expenses in Fort Dodge are slightly below the national standard. Housing, for instance, costs 70% of the national average, making it an affordable option for potential residents. This lower housing cost can be a significant advantage for those looking to settle down.
When examining specific categories, Fort Dodge shines in several areas. Utilities, for example, cost 85% of the national average, while groceries are priced at 90%, and transportation costs 80%. These figures indicate that certain essential expenses are more reasonable in Fort Dodge compared to many other locations. Healthcare, however, remains a bit higher at 95%, which means medical expenses might not offer the same savings. Despite this, the overall cost of living remains lower than the national average, providing a balanced view of affordability.



