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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Service Worker in Iowa is $31,051 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Food Service Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Service Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $33,276 | $2,773 | $640 | $16 |
| Average | $31,051 | $2,588 | $597 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,602 | $2,383 | $550 | $14 |
Saint Albert Schools - Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western Community College - Council Bluffs, IA
Trinity Health - Waterloo, IA
Trinity Health - Oelwein, IA
A Food Service Worker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Service Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Service Worker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Food Service Worker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Service Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $36,640 | $18.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $35,708 | $17.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $34,777 | $17.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $34,156 | $16.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $33,535 | $16.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Food Service Worker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $33,276 | $2,773 | $640 | $16 |
| Average | $31,051 | $2,588 | $597 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,602 | $2,383 | $550 | $14 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Service Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Clarke Community School District
Osceola, IA
Clarke Community School District | Osceola, IA
Substitute Food Service Worker. Clarke Community School District is looking for substitute food service workers for the 2025-2026 school year. Background c... more
4 Days Ago
LeMars Community Schools
Le Mars, IA
LeMars Community Schools | Le Mars, IA
Substitute Food Service Position. This is a substitute position in the Food Service department. Hours are not guaranteed and are scheduled as needed. Candi... more
4 Days Ago
Taher
Woodward, IA
Taher | Woodward, IA
Food Service Aide. Join our team and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch superhero working w... more
4 Days Ago
Carlisle Community School District
Carlisle, IA
Carlisle Community School District | Carlisle, IA
Food Service Worker. Reports To: Kitchen Manager. Qualifications. High School diploma or equivalent. Aptitude for successful performance of tasks listed. F... more
5 Days Ago
Taher, Inc.
Fort Dodge, IA
Taher, Inc. | Fort Dodge, IA
Food Service Aide. Join our team and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch superhero working w... more
6 Days Ago
Crothall Healthcare
Davenport, IA
Crothall Healthcare | Davenport, IA
Job Description. Job Description. . We are hiring immediately for part time. FOOD SERVICE WORKER. positions. Location. Genesis West - 1401 West Central Par... more
3 Days Ago
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