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Food Service · Iowa

How to Become a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Iowa

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Iowa earn a median salary of $26,710/year, which is 18% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.3%. After taxes and rent, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers takes home approximately $450/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$27K
Median salary in Iowa
-18%
vs. national average
4.3%
State income tax
3,020
Employed in Iowa

What a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$26,710
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.3% state tax)$1,862/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home75.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$26,710/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$450/mo

Becoming a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in Iowa typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helperss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 3,020 dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers. The highest concentrations are in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island and Sioux City.

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$29K$14/hr340
Sioux City$29K$13.86/hr150
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$28K$13.5/hr180
Ames$28K$13.41/hr130
Iowa City$27K$13.1/hr260
Des Moines-West Des Moines$26K$12.4/hr790
Cedar Rapids$25K$12.19/hr240
Dubuque$25K$12.15/hr120

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$18K
25th percentile
$21K
Median (50th)
$27K
75th percentile
$30K
90th percentile (senior)
$36K
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Full dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary breakdown in Iowa
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Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers make in Iowa?

The median dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary in Iowa is $26,710 per year ($12.84/hr). This is 18% below the national median of $32,670. Salaries range from $17,560 to $35,830.

What are the requirements to become a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Iowa?

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in Iowa typically require No formal educational credential. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $26,710, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Iowa would take home approximately $1,862/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 75.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Iowa are Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($29,120), Sioux City ($28,830), Waterloo-Cedar Falls ($28,070). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.3%. On a $26,710 salary, this means roughly $1,155/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.