Helpers--Production Workers Salary in Iowa

Helpers--production workers in Iowa earn the most in Des Moines (average $48,440 a year) and the least in Ames ($41,020), across the 6 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the helpers--production workers average at $45,840 and the median at $45,560 for 2,070 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $41,120.

Helpers--Production Workers average salary by city in Iowa

Des Moines$48,440
Cedar Rapids$47,480
Davenport$46,380
Waterloo$45,780
Sioux City$45,590
Ames$41,020

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Des Moines	$48,440	$52,050	$41,790	$39,873	92
Cedar Rapids	$47,480	$41,740	$34,500	$39,138	89
Davenport	$46,380	$46,710	$39,520	$38,296	89
Waterloo	$45,780	$48,520	$42,840	$37,836	87
Sioux City	$45,590	$44,170	$44,170	$37,691	86
Ames	$41,020	$39,070	$30,480	$34,193	89

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Helpers--Production Workers salary in other states

Helpers--Production Workers salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 51-9198.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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