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What is the average salary in Waterloo, IA?

The average salary in Waterloo, IA is $54,168 per year.

Salaries in Waterloo, IA, offer a range of opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $54,168, providing a good benchmark for what workers can expect to earn. This figure represents the midpoint of the earnings spectrum, suggesting a balanced distribution of income levels across the region.


Breakdown of salaries shows a diverse employment landscape. The lower end of the scale includes positions earning around $24,000 per year, while the higher end sees salaries reaching up to $148,720 annually. This range allows professionals to find roles that match their experience and skills, offering various pathways for career growth and financial stability.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waterloo, IA?

Waterloo, IA, offers several high-paying job opportunities across various industries. Radiologic Technologists lead the list with an average salary of $126,974. Skilled professionals in this field can find rewarding positions in healthcare settings. Traveling Nurses also enjoy competitive pay, averaging $115,865 per year, with flexibility to work in different locations. Outside Sales Representatives in Waterloo earn an average of $89,397 annually, making it a lucrative choice for those who enjoy interacting with clients. Registered Nurses and CDL Drivers also secure strong salaries, at $85,170 and $82,482 respectively. These roles not only provide financial stability but also contribute to essential services in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waterloo, IA, highlighting Radiologic Technologist with the highest at $126,974 and Construction Laborer with the lowest at $55,282.
  1. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $126,974
    These professionals use medical equipment to take images of patients' bodies. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They need to be detail-oriented and work well with people.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Waterloo, IA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $115,865
    Traveling nurses work in various locations, often to fill short-term needs. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. This role demands flexibility and strong clinical skills.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Waterloo, IA


  3. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $89,397
    These professionals sell goods or services directly to customers. They often work for companies in the manufacturing and tech sectors. They need to be good communicators and persuasive in their approach.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Waterloo, IA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,170
    Registered nurses care for patients and help with their medical needs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They need to be compassionate and excellent at problem-solving.
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  5. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $82,482
    CDL drivers operate large vehicles to transport goods. They work for logistics and transportation companies. They need to be safe drivers and able to handle long hours on the road.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waterloo, IA


  6. Manufacturing Engineer
    Average Salary: $77,452
    Manufacturing engineers design and improve production processes. They work in factories and manufacturing plants. They need to be knowledgeable in engineering and problem-solving.
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  7. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,384
    LPNs provide basic medical care and support to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They need to be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure.
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  8. Production Supervisor
    Average Salary: $68,850
    Production supervisors oversee the manufacturing process. They work in factories and production plants. They need to be good leaders and skilled in production techniques.
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  9. General Manager
    Average Salary: $59,596
    General managers oversee the operations of a business. They work in various industries, including retail and hospitality. They need to be strong leaders and skilled in management.
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  10. Construction Laborer
    Average Salary: $55,282
    Construction laborers help build structures. They work on construction sites for building contractors. They need to be physically fit and able to follow instructions.
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What are the best paying jobs in Waterloo, IA without a degree?

In Waterloo, IA, several high-paying jobs do not need a college degree. Landscapers earn the most, with an average salary of $37,125 per year. This job involves taking care of lawns, plants, and gardens, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor work. Other top-paying positions include servers, who make an average of $35,911 annually. They work in restaurants, serving food and drinks to customers. Groundskeepers, who keep parks and other outdoor areas tidy, earn $34,623 each year. These jobs provide good pay without needing a degree, making them great options for job seekers looking to start earning quickly.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waterloo, IA without a degree, highlighting Landscaper with the highest at $37,125 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $29,659.
  1. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,125
    This role involves maintaining the beauty and health of outdoor areas. Workers may work for landscape companies, handling tasks like mowing, planting, and pruning. Landscaping offers a great mix of physical activity and being outdoors.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Waterloo, IA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $35,911
    Servers work in restaurants and cafes, taking orders and serving food and drinks. They interact with customers and must provide friendly, efficient service. This job often provides opportunities for tips, boosting overall earnings.
    Find Server jobs in Waterloo, IA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,623
    Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of buildings and properties. They work for landscaping companies and property management firms, doing tasks like mowing, trimming, and cleaning. This position is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Waterloo, IA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,478
    Line cooks work in kitchens, preparing ingredients and cooking meals. They work in fast-paced environments like restaurants and cafes. This role requires speed and efficiency under pressure, with the chance to learn new cooking techniques.
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  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,131
    Housekeeping staff maintain cleanliness in hotels and other lodging facilities. They clean rooms, replace linens, and ensure guest satisfaction. This job provides a steady schedule and the chance to interact with guests, creating a welcoming environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waterloo, IA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,852
    Baristas work in coffee shops, making and serving coffee and other beverages. They interact with customers and often learn about different coffee types and brewing methods. This role offers a welcoming atmosphere and the chance to connect with community members.
    Find Barista jobs in Waterloo, IA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,659
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in restaurants and cafes. They work in fast-paced environments and ensure everything is spotless. This job is ideal for those who enjoy routine tasks and working in a clean setting.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Waterloo, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waterloo, IA?

Job seekers in Waterloo, IA, can find good pay with several companies. Sterling St James LLC offers the highest average salary at $79,708. This is followed by John Deere with an average salary of $73,408. These top-paying companies provide excellent opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in the area. Other notable companies include MercyOne, KYYBA Inc, and Care Initiatives, which also offer competitive salaries. Tyson Foods and Ferguson provide salaries around $55,000. Walgreens and Elevate CCBHC offer slightly less but remain attractive for many roles. Hawkeye Community College also stands out as an employer with a reasonable pay scale. These companies make Waterloo, IA, a good place for those seeking rewarding job opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waterloo, IA, highlighting Sterling St James LLC with the highest at $79,708 and Elevate CCBHC with the lowest at $48,904.
  1. Sterling St James LLC
    Average Salary: $79,708
    Sterling St James LLC is a renowned company in Waterloo, known for its competitive salary packages. They offer various opportunities in technology and management.


  2. John Deere
    Average Salary: $73,408
    John Deere, a global leader in agricultural machinery, provides a solid salary. They focus on manufacturing and offer benefits that appeal to skilled workers.


  3. MercyOne
    Average Salary: $63,616
    MercyOne is a healthcare giant offering a high average salary. They provide excellent healthcare services and benefits to their employees.


  4. KYYBA Inc
    Average Salary: $63,528
    KYYBA Inc is a reputable company in Waterloo, known for its good salary. They specialize in providing IT solutions and professional services.


  5. Care Initiatives
    Average Salary: $59,224
    Care Initiatives offers a good average salary. They are involved in providing home care and have a strong focus on employee well-being.


  6. Tyson Foods
    Average Salary: $55,167
    Tyson Foods, a leading poultry company, provides a competitive salary. They offer diverse opportunities in food production and management.


  7. Ferguson
    Average Salary: $51,114
    Ferguson is a major distributor of plumbing and HVAC products. They offer a respectable salary and focus on industrial solutions.


  8. Hawkeye Community College
    Average Salary: $50,356
    Hawkeye Community College provides a fair salary for educators and staff. They offer education services and are a cornerstone of the community.


  9. Walgreens
    Average Salary: $49,547
    Walgreens, a well-known pharmacy chain, offers a solid average salary. They provide various roles in retail and healthcare services.


  10. Elevate CCBHC
    Average Salary: $48,904
    Elevate CCBHC is dedicated to providing mental health and substance abuse services. They offer a good salary and focus on community health.

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

Waterloo, IA has a cost of living index of 91, which is 9% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents typically spend less on a variety of living expenses compared to the national average. Specific areas like housing and miscellaneous items are notably cheaper, with housing at 85 and miscellaneous at 88, while healthcare costs slightly exceed the national average at 98. This balanced mix makes Waterloo an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waterloo, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Waterloo, IA presents a unique cost of living scenario for job seekers. Compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100, Waterloo's cost of living index stands at a generally favorable 90. This indicates that, overall, the expenses in Waterloo are about 10% lower than the national average. This lower cost of living can be particularly advantageous for individuals looking to minimize their expenses while maintaining a reasonable quality of life.


When breaking down the categories, Waterloo shows particular strength in housing, which is indexed at 85. This suggests that housing costs in Waterloo are about 15% lower than the national average. Similarly, miscellaneous expenses, indexed at 88, reflect an approximately 12% reduction from the national average. These savings in housing and other small expenses can significantly ease the financial burden on residents. However, it's worth noting that while utilities are slightly below the average at 90 and transportation costs are close to the national average at 92, healthcare costs are slightly higher, coming in at 98. Despite this, the overall index remains below the national average, providing a balanced outlook on the cost of living in Waterloo, IA.

There are 716 job openings in Waterloo, IA, today!

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City
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Waterloo, IA
716 Job Openings