Corridor Wage and Benefit Survey Shows Strong Earnings and Transparent Opportunity

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, in collaboration with Strategic Marketing Services and the Institute for Decision Making, surveyed 96 organizations across Clay, Buena Vista, Dickinson, and Emmet Counties to gather accurate data on wages and benefits. The survey offers residents, employers, and prospective workers a clear understanding of the job opportunities available in the region.

Wages Outperform Regional Household Incomes

One of the most significant findings is that many full-time positions pay above the median household income in the four-county region.

For example, a single salary in health care, manufacturing, or finance can exceed household earnings in Clay ($64,082), Buena Vista ($66,564), Emmet ($65,181), and Dickinson ($74,570) Counties. This demonstrates that individuals working in these industries can achieve strong financial stability without relying on multiple sources of income.

Competitive Starting and Maximum Wages

Employers reported starting and maximum wages that are competitive both within Iowa and compared to neighboring states. Examples include:

• Manufacturing: $20.99 starting, $28.67 maximum hourly wage 
• Construction: $22.00 starting, $29.00 maximum hourly wage
• Health Care and Social Assistance: $20.58 starting, $28.35 maximum hourly wage
• Finance and Insurance: $18.93 starting, $29.76 maximum hourly wage

These figures demonstrate a healthy spread of career opportunities across various industries, ranging from entry-level roles to advanced positions.

Salary Roles Deliver High Earning Potential

Salary data highlights powerful outcomes in sectors that require advanced skills and education. Healthcare professionals reported annual ranges from $163,035 to $365,207. Manufacturing, finance, education, and professional services also reported salaries well above local household income benchmarks.

Broad Industry Participation Provides Transparency

Survey respondents represent a diverse employer base:

• 28.1% manufacturing
• 12.5% health care and social assistance
• 7.3% retail
• 7.3% finance and Insurance
• 7.3% education
• 6.3% accommodations and food service
• Additional representation from construction, agriculture, wholesale, and transportation

With small, medium, and large employers included, the data provides a complete picture of the local job market.

What This Means for Residents and Job Seekers

For community members, these results confirm that quality jobs are available locally, offering wages that support households and contribute to long-term financial security. For individuals considering relocation, the data indicate that the Corridor provides employment opportunities in industries that are both stable and growing.

Quality of Life Adds to the Value

Survey respondents also highlighted the region’s strengths outside of work, citing quality schools, affordable housing, a lower cost of living, safe communities, and access to recreation. Together, wages and quality of life show that the Corridor is positioned to support both personal and professional success.

The Corridor is a Region Committed to Transparency

By releasing these survey results, the Corridor and its employers demonstrate a shared commitment to transparency. Precise, accessible data equips residents, businesses, and newcomers to make informed decisions about career paths and investment.

Review the executive summary for more in-depth information on the wage and benefit survey results, and discover how competitive local industries create growth opportunities.