Salary & Cost of Living in Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls, IA: $48,520 median salary, cost of living index 88, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,520
$23/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.1%
rate
Cedar Falls, IA Overview
Population
40,713
Median Salary
$48,520
Average Salary
$54,342
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$188,000
Median Rent
$772/mo
Job Growth
+2.1%
Sales Tax
6%
Cedar Falls is located in Iowa with a population of 40,713. The median household salary is $48,520 per year ($23/hour), which is $10,864 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.1%.
Cedar Falls Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Cedar Falls, IA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $48,520 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $30,082 | $14.46/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $48,520 | $23.33/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $68,898 | $33.13/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $86,366 | $41.53/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Cedar Falls Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Cedar Falls, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,259
$3,188.22/month · $1,471.49/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.1%
Gross Pay
$48,520
Federal Tax
-$3,784
State Tax
-$2,766
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,712
Net Pay
$38,259
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,043.33 | $48,520.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$315.33 | -$3,783.90 |
| Iowa State Tax (5.7%) | -$230.47 | -$2,765.64 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$250.69 | -$3,008.24 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.63 | -$703.54 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,188.22 | $38,258.68 |
Salary Comparison: Cedar Falls vs Other Cities
See how Cedar Falls's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Falls, IA | $48,520 | 88 | $55,136 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Reynoldsburg, OH | $48,518 | 80.1 | $60,572 |
| Hanover Park, IL | $48,516 | 92.6 | $52,393 |
| North Ridgeville, OH | $48,509 | 82.9 | $58,515 |
| Fresno, CA | $48,500 | 100 | $48,500 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Cedar Falls is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$188,000
Median Monthly Rent
$772
Annual Rent Cost
$9,264
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,259 annual take-home pay in Cedar Falls has the purchasing power of approximately $43,476 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,520 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,520.
Salary Tips for Cedar Falls Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Cedar Falls has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $48,520 here has the purchasing power of about $55,136 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Cedar Falls's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,520 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary in Cedar Falls, IA is $48,520 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,342. This is $10,864 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $188,000 and the median monthly rent is $772.
What are the best industries in Cedar Falls?
The top industries in Cedar Falls, IA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.1% and an unemployment rate of 2.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,520.
How does Cedar Falls's salary compare to other cities?
Cedar Falls's median salary of $48,520 is 18.3% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,136.
What is the minimum wage in Cedar Falls, IA?
The minimum wage in Cedar Falls, IA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.