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What is the average salary in Ames, IA?

The average salary in Ames, IA is $52,383 per year.

Ames, IA offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary in Ames is $52,383. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries vary across different industries and roles, offering diverse options for professionals.


The salary distribution in Ames shows a spread across various sectors. The highest percentage of jobs, 31.36%, falls within the $24,000 to $36,364 range. Other notable ranges include 22.14% of jobs paying between $36,364 and $48,727, and 14.66% in the $48,727 to $61,091 bracket. This distribution highlights the variety of earning potentials available to job seekers in Ames.

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What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA?

Job seekers in Ames, IA, have several high-paying career opportunities. The top-paying job is the Technical Project Lead, with an average salary of $91,863. This role involves managing technical projects and ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets. Another well-paying job is the CDL Driver, earning an average of $85,770. These drivers transport goods and materials, requiring a commercial driver's license. Transportation Engineers also earn a strong salary, averaging $83,589. They design and improve transportation systems to ensure safety and efficiency. Registered Nurses in Ames earn around $70,424, providing essential care to patients. These roles offer good pay and the chance to make a positive impact in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting Technical Project Lead with the highest at $91,863 and Maintenance Technician with the lowest at $52,728.
  1. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $91,863
    This role is key in guiding tech projects. It involves overseeing teams and ensuring projects meet goals. Companies like ISU and local tech firms offer these roles.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Ames, IA


  2. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $85,770
    Driving large vehicles is a vital job. It requires a commercial driver's license. Companies like UPS and local logistics firms need drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Transportation Engineer
    Average Salary: $83,589
    This job focuses on designing and improving transport systems. It involves working with city planners and engineers. Local government and firms like AECOM are employers.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Ames, IA


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,424
    RNs provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals and clinics. Local healthcare facilities and ISU Health Services offer these positions.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Ames, IA


  5. Counselor
    Average Salary: $67,194
    Counselors help people with personal issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Local schools and mental health centers hire counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $66,648
    This job involves fixing and maintaining vehicles. It requires knowledge of car systems. Local dealerships and auto repair shops offer these roles.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Ames, IA


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $58,931
    General managers oversee business operations. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Retail stores and restaurants in Ames need managers.
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  8. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $56,153
    LPNs provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Local healthcare facilities offer LPN positions.
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  9. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $53,051
    Sales associates help customers find products. They work in stores and online. Local retailers like Target and Walmart hire sales associates.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Ames, IA


  10. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $52,728
    This role involves fixing and maintaining equipment. It requires technical skills. Local businesses and facilities hire maintenance technicians.
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What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA without a degree?

Job seekers in Ames, IA, can find several high-paying roles that do not require a college degree. Loader Operators lead the list with an average salary of $55,545. This role involves operating machinery to move materials, offering a lucrative and hands-on opportunity. Other well-paying jobs include Groundskeepers, Landscapers, and Housekeeping staff, all providing competitive wages and the chance to work outdoors or in a clean environment. These positions offer stability and good earnings without the need for a degree. For instance, Groundskeepers earn around $37,918, while Landscapers and Housekeeping staff also enjoy salaries above $30,000. These roles are ideal for those seeking reliable work with the potential for steady income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA without a degree, highlighting Loader Operator with the highest at $55,545 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $28,113.
  1. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $55,545
    Loader operators handle heavy machinery. They load and unload materials. This job is available with local construction firms and logistics companies.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Ames, IA


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,918
    Groundskeepers maintain lawns and gardens. They mow, trim, and water plants. This role is found with property management firms and local government.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,333
    Landscapers design and install outdoor spaces. They plant trees, lay mulch, and build garden features. This job is available with landscaping companies and nurseries.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Ames, IA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,879
    Housekeepers clean and organize rooms. They dust, vacuum, and tidy up. This job is available in hotels, motels, and residential properties.
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  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,650
    Line cooks prepare food quickly. They chop, cook, and plate meals. This role is found in restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $32,417
    Servers take orders and serve food. They interact with customers and ensure a pleasant dining experience. This job is available in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
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  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,441
    Kitchen team members assist cooks. They prepare ingredients and clean the kitchen. This role is found in restaurants, cafes, and food service companies.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,813
    Baristas make coffee and other drinks. They take orders and operate coffee machines. This job is available in coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Ames, IA


  9. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,031
    Server assistants help servers. They bus tables and refill supplies. This role is found in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Ames, IA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $28,113
    Dishwasher clean dishes and utensils. They wash, dry, and store them. This job is available in restaurants, cafes, and food service companies.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Ames, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Ames, IA?

Job seekers in Ames, IA, have several companies to consider for higher salaries. Thomson Reuters leads the pack with an average salary of $160,592. This company offers the highest pay among those listed. The Iowa Department of Transportation and the State of Iowa also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $73,461 and $68,778, respectively. Other notable employers include STORY CONSTRUCTION, Iowa State University, and MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER, all offering salaries above $55,000. These companies provide good opportunities for job seekers looking for better compensation. Exploring roles in these companies can lead to a more rewarding career in Ames.
Graph displaying company salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting Thomson Reuters with the highest at $160,592 and AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT with the lowest at $41,032.
  1. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $160,592
    Thomson Reuters is a leading company in the information and technology services industry. They offer solutions for professionals in law, tax, accounting, and more. Their work environment is dynamic and encourages growth.


  2. Iowa Department of Transportation
    Average Salary: $73,461
    The Iowa Department of Transportation works to build and maintain the state's roads and infrastructure. They focus on safety and efficiency, making them a key player in the state's development.


  3. State of Iowa
    Average Salary: $68,778
    The State of Iowa offers a variety of jobs in different sectors. They aim to provide essential services to the residents of Iowa, ensuring a high quality of life.


  4. STORY CONSTRUCTION
    Average Salary: $64,964
    STORY CONSTRUCTION is a local company known for its work in construction and development. They focus on building quality structures and have a strong reputation in the community.


  5. Iowa State University
    Average Salary: $55,500
    Iowa State University is a top educational institution. It offers a wide range of academic and research opportunities. The university is committed to excellence in education and innovation.


  6. MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER
    Average Salary: $55,169
    MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER is a leading healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services and are dedicated to patient care and well-being.


  7. Bickford Senior Living
    Average Salary: $47,289
    Bickford Senior Living provides care and services for seniors. They focus on creating a comfortable and supportive environment for their residents.


  8. BioLife Plasma Services
    Average Salary: $46,633
    BioLife Plasma Services collects plasma donations. They play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing plasma for medical treatments.


  9. ChildServe
    Average Salary: $43,009
    ChildServe offers services for children and families. They focus on providing support and resources to help children thrive.


  10. AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
    Average Salary: $41,032
    AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT manages public schools in Ames. They are dedicated to providing quality education to students in the community.

How does the cost of living in Ames, IA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Ames, IA, shows a generally lower cost compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Ames are 15% below the national average, while groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are all within 7% of the national average. This data suggests that Ames offers a more affordable living environment for many essential expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Ames, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

The cost of living index in Ames, IA, shows a mixed picture when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Ames stand at 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. This suggests that job seekers can find more affordable housing options in Ames. Lower housing costs can be a significant advantage for individuals and families looking to manage their budgets effectively.


Other expenses in Ames also compare favorably to the national average. For instance, groceries cost 95, which is 5% lower than the average. Utilities are slightly higher at 98, but still only 2% above the national average. Transportation costs are at 90, which is 10% below the average. Healthcare costs in Ames are 92, just 2% below the average, and miscellaneous expenses are at 93, which is 7% below the average. Overall, these figures indicate that living in Ames can be more affordable in several key areas compared to the national average.

There are 681 job openings in Ames, IA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Ames, IA

Discover what it's like to work in Ames, IA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Ames, IA
681 Job Openings