Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, butchers and meat cutters earn $36,600 at the median — $17.6 an hour. The range runs from $30K at the entry level to $44K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $37K get you in Iowa?
About butchers and meat cutters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level butchers and meat cutters (10th percentile) start around $30K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K. Top earners bring in $44K or more, a $14K spread from bottom to top.
Butchers and Meat Cutters salary by metro in Iowa
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City | $40K | +9% | 310 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $36K | -1% | 810 |
| Dubuque | $36K | -2% | 100 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $36K | -2% | 200 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $36K | -2% | 270 |
| Ames | $35K | -4% | 150 |
| Cedar Rapids | $33K | -9% | 200 |
| Iowa City | $32K | -12% | 160 |
Compare to other states
Track butchers and meat cutters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do butchers and meat cutters make in Iowa?
The median is $36,600 a year, that works out to about $18 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,840, and experienced butchers and meat cutters can clear $43,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,482/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 42.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a butchers and meat cutters salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median butchers and meat cutters salary is worth about $41,188 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do butchers and meat cutters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.