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What is the average salary in Fort Dodge, IA?

The average salary in Fort Dodge, IA is $58,674 per year.

Salaries in Fort Dodge, IA, offer a range of opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $58,674. This figure reflects a diverse economic landscape with many industries contributing to the local economy. For those seeking employment, understanding salary ranges can be a key factor in career decisions.

Different sectors have different salary expectations. For instance, jobs in education and healthcare often offer solid incomes. Positions in retail and food service tend to be on the lower end of the pay scale. Other industries like manufacturing and engineering provide more competitive salaries. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target roles that match their expectations and career goals. A thorough review of local salary data can guide more informed decisions and potentially lead to better job matches.

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

Job seekers looking to make a good income in Fort Dodge, IA, have several top-paying job options to consider. Among these, roles like traveling nurse and registered nurse offer the highest salaries. These positions typically provide excellent benefits and opportunities for career growth. Other well-paying jobs in the area include speech language pathologists and occupational therapists. These roles, while requiring specialized education, offer competitive pay and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. CDL drivers, general managers, and licensed practical nurses also present attractive salary packages in Fort Dodge. These jobs are valuable in various industries, providing stability and potential for advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Dodge, IA, highlighting Traveling Nurse with the highest at $129,140 and Retail Sales Associate with the lowest at $47,897.
  1. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $129,140
    Flexibility and adventure await. Work in various locations, gaining diverse experiences. Employers include local clinics and hospitals.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $89,635
    Play a key role in patient care. Ensure well-being in hospitals and clinics. Employers include prominent healthcare facilities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $84,923
    Help individuals with communication needs. Work in schools, clinics, or rehabilitation centers. Collaborate with diverse teams.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $81,910
    Assist patients in regaining independence. Focus on recovery and skill development. Opportunities in hospitals and outpatient clinics.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  5. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $76,366
    Drive heavy vehicles safely. Responsible for transporting goods. Work for local logistics and transportation companies.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $61,679
    Oversee daily operations. Ensure smooth business functioning. Opportunities in retail, restaurants, and hotels.
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  7. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $58,112
    Provide basic medical care. Work closely with registered nurses and doctors. Positions available in hospitals and clinics.
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  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $53,184
    Handle technical tasks and equipment. Ensure everything runs smoothly. Work in manufacturing and maintenance sectors.
    Find Technician jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  9. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $48,595
    Perform repairs and maintenance. Keep facilities and equipment in top condition. Roles in various industries like retail and hospitality.
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  10. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $47,897
    Assist customers and manage sales. Create a positive shopping experience. Opportunities in various retail stores.
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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Dodge, IA without a degree?

Looking for top-paying jobs in Fort Dodge, IA? Some of the best options do not require a degree. Concrete laborers earn an average salary of $67,880. This is the highest-paying job among the choices listed. Other great positions include concrete finishers, kitchen team members, servers, housekeeping, and line cooks. These roles offer solid incomes and can provide valuable experience. They allow you to earn a good living while gaining skills for future opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Dodge, IA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Laborer with the highest at $67,880 and Line Cook with the lowest at $29,000.
  1. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $67,880
    In this role, tasks include preparing and pouring concrete. Workers help with formwork and maintain tools. They often work with companies involved in building infrastructure.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $48,790
    This position involves smoothing and finishing concrete. Workers use tools to level the surface. They often collaborate with construction companies on various projects.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $33,291
    These workers assist in food preparation and kitchen operations. Tasks include chopping ingredients and maintaining cleanliness. They often support local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $33,256
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They ensure a pleasant dining experience. This role is available in many restaurants within the city.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,057
    These professionals clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. They are vital in hospitality businesses. They often work in hotels and motels in the area.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $29,000
    Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They follow recipes and maintain kitchen hygiene. They work in fast-paced environments in various dining establishments.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Dodge, IA?

Job seekers in Fort Dodge, IA, have opportunities with several companies that offer competitive salaries. Elanco stands out as the top-paying employer with an average salary of $73,392. This is followed by Nestlé Purina, where the average salary is $69,198. Other notable employers include Jensen Builders, Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation, and the City of Fort Dodge. These companies provide salaries ranging from $62,877 to $59,092 on average. These figures show a range of opportunities for professionals looking for good compensation in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Dodge, IA, highlighting Elanco with the highest at $73,392 and Bickford Senior Living with the lowest at $43,503.
  1. Elanco
    Average Salary: $73,392
    Elanco is a global leader in animal health. It offers a wide range of products and services to improve the health and well-being of animals. The company values innovation and sustainability.


  2. Nestlé Purina
    Average Salary: $69,198
    Nestlé Purina is a well-known pet care company. It provides high-quality pet food and care products. The company is committed to enhancing the health and happiness of pets.


  3. Jensen Builders
    Average Salary: $62,877
    Jensen Builders specializes in commercial and residential construction. It offers a variety of services, from new builds to renovations. The company prides itself on quality and reliability.


  4. Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
    Average Salary: $59,313
    Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. It focuses on patient care and well-being, offering a supportive environment for recovery.


  5. City of Fort Dodge
    Average Salary: $59,092
    The City of Fort Dodge offers a variety of public service jobs. It focuses on community development and public safety. The city is known for its friendly community and quality of life.


  6. State of Iowa
    Average Salary: $58,306
    The State of Iowa offers numerous job opportunities in different sectors. It emphasizes public service and state management. The state values professionalism and dedication.


  7. Iowa Central Community College
    Average Salary: $53,285
    Iowa Central Community College provides education and training programs. It focuses on student success and community engagement. The college offers a range of courses and support services.


  8. UnityPoint Health
    Average Salary: $51,964
    UnityPoint Health is a healthcare organization. It offers a wide range of medical services. The company is dedicated to improving health and wellness in the community.


  9. CJ Bio America Inc.
    Average Salary: $46,649
    CJ Bio America Inc. specializes in the production of specialty chemicals and ingredients. It focuses on innovation and quality. The company is a leader in its industry.


  10. Bickford Senior Living
    Average Salary: $43,503
    Bickford Senior Living provides assisted living and memory care services. It focuses on creating a comfortable and engaging environment for seniors. The company is committed to high-quality care.

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

Fort Dodge, IA, presents a notably lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Fort Dodge are 25% below the national average, with an index of 75. This significant difference makes Fort Dodge an attractive option for those looking to reduce their living expenses while maintaining a reasonable standard of life. In other categories, Fort Dodge continues to show affordability. Groceries are 10% less expensive than the national average, and utilities are 15% cheaper. Even healthcare costs, often a major expense, are only 5% higher than the average. These lower costs across multiple areas make Fort Dodge an economically savvy choice for job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Dodge, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 15% lower, transportation 20% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Job seekers considering Fort Dodge, Iowa, will find the cost of living index offers a favorable comparison to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Fort Dodge stands at 84. This means expenses are generally 16% lower than the national average, which is set at 100. Lower housing costs are a significant factor, with the housing index at 75. This suggests residents can find housing that is 25% more affordable than the national average.


When looking at specific categories, Fort Dodge provides competitive advantages in various areas. For instance, groceries cost 10% less than the national average, with an index of 90. Utilities and transportation also show lower costs at 85 and 80, respectively. Healthcare, while slightly above the national average at 95, still presents a more affordable option in many cases. Miscellaneous costs, with an index of 88, reflect a cost slightly below the national average. Overall, Fort Dodge offers a cost of living that can help job seekers stretch their budgets further.

There are 293 job openings in Fort Dodge, IA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Fort Dodge, IA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Fort Dodge, IA
293 Job Openings