Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Iowa
Based on 40K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$28,390
$13.65/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-7.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $36K
40K employed in Iowa
The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Iowa shows a median annual income of $28,390, which translates to approximately $14 per hour. This figure reflects the typical earnings for individuals working in fast-food establishments and other counter service roles across the state. It's important to note that Iowa's median salary is 7.1% lower than the national average.
Several factors influence the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Iowa. Experience levels, the specific employer, and the geographic location within Iowa can all contribute to variations in pay. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the range, around $21,620 annually, while more experienced roles can reach up to $35,990 per year.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,620 |
| 25th percentile | $26,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $28,390 |
| 75th percentile | $33,440 |
| 90th percentile | $35,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for Fast Food and Counter Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Fast Food and Counter Workers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $38,740 | 390 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $37,820 | 18K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $36,850 | 17K |
| Educational Services | $35,370 | 117K |
| Wholesale Trade | $34,990 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,242 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,390 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,242 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $26,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $28,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $33,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $35,990 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($28,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in IA | $35,670 | +25.6% | $17.15/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in IA | $21,000 | -26.0% | $10.10/hr |
| Cashier in IA | $28,970 | +2.0% | $13.93/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IA | $31,360 | +10.5% | $15.08/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | +25.6% | $17.15/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IA | $36,080 | +27.1% | $17.35/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IA | $36,640 | +29.1% | $17.62/hr |
| Security Guard in IA | $37,080 | +30.6% | $17.83/hr |
| Receptionist in IA | $37,330 | +31.5% | $17.95/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IA | $39,350 | +38.6% | $18.92/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in IA | $39,630 | +39.6% | $19.05/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in IA | $44,860 | +58.0% | $21.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a fast food worker in Iowa?
- The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Iowa is $28,390 per year, or about $14 per hour. This means half of workers earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
What is the salary range for fast food and counter workers in Iowa?
- The salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Iowa generally falls between $21,620 and $35,990 annually. This broad range accounts for differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Iowa fast food worker salary compare to the national average?
- The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Iowa is 7.1% lower than the national average. This indicates that workers in Iowa tend to earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
How many fast food and counter workers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 40,290 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Iowa. This indicates a significant presence of these roles within the state's workforce.