Overview Salaries

Salaries in Ames, IA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Ames, IA?

The average salary in Ames, IA is $49,821 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Ames, IA, showing an average salary of $49,821 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Ames, IA, showing an average salary of $4,152 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Ames, IA, showing an average salary of $958 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Ames, IA, showing an average salary of $24 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Ames, IA, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary in Ames is around $49,821. This makes it a competitive market for job seekers. Various sectors contribute to the overall salary distribution, making it possible to find jobs that match different skill sets and experience levels.


Here is a look at the salary distribution across different percentiles in Ames, IA:

  • 25% of workers earn around $23,000 per year.
  • 50% of workers earn around $33,227 per year.
  • 75% of workers earn around $63,909 per year.
  • 90% of workers earn around $94,591 per year.
  • 95% of workers earn around $104,818 per year.

This distribution provides a clear picture of the earning potential in different parts of the job market. Job seekers can look for opportunities that align with their career goals and financial needs.

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What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA?

If you're looking for a good-paying job in Ames, IA, there are several options to consider. Among the top-paying jobs, software engineers lead the way with an average salary of $101,336. CDL drivers also earn well, with an average of $80,918 annually. Registered nurses make a solid income, averaging $72,257 a year. Other high-paying jobs in Ames include counselors, general managers, and maintenance technicians. These positions offer salaries ranging from $71,314 to $63,410. For those seeking a balance between a good salary and a stable work environment, Ames provides several attractive opportunities. This makes the area a great place for job seekers looking to advance their careers and improve their financial situation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $101,336 and Administrative Assistant with the lowest at $42,342.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $101,336
    Work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment. Companies like Pioneer offer exciting projects. Develop software to meet customer needs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA


  2. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $80,918
    Drive large vehicles safely and efficiently. Ensure timely delivery of goods. Companies offer good benefits and training.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,257
    Provide patient care with compassion and skill. Work in hospitals and clinics. Help patients recover and manage their health.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Ames, IA


  4. Counselor
    Average Salary: $71,314
    Support individuals facing personal challenges. Offer guidance and solutions. Work in schools, hospitals, and community centers.
    Find Counselor jobs in Ames, IA


  5. General Manager
    Average Salary: $63,410
    Oversee business operations and team performance. Ensure customer satisfaction. Manage finances and daily activities.
    Find General Manager jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $60,365
    Provide essential patient care under supervision. Work in various healthcare settings. Help with daily living activities and medical procedures.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Ames, IA


  7. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $55,720
    Repair and maintain equipment. Ensure facilities run smoothly. Work on-site for local businesses and institutions.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $51,490
    Help customers find the right products. Provide excellent customer service. Work in a fast-paced retail environment.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Ames, IA


  9. Intern
    Average Salary: $44,478
    Gain valuable experience in your field. Assist with various tasks. Learn from experienced professionals.
    Find Intern jobs in Ames, IA


  10. Administrative Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,342
    Provide administrative support to ensure smooth operations. Handle scheduling, communication, and documentation. Work in an office environment.
    Find Administrative Assistant jobs in Ames, IA

What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA without a degree?

For those seeking well-paying jobs in Ames, IA, without a college degree, options exist. On average, groundskeepers earn the highest salary at $37,215. Housekeeping staff also earn a strong income at $37,185 per year. These jobs rely on experience and skills instead of formal education. Additional roles with solid pay include line cooks, servers, kitchen team members, baristas, server assistants, and dishwashers. These positions offer salaries ranging from $29,000 to $33,000 annually. Each job provides opportunities to gain valuable experience and potentially advance within the field.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $37,215 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $29,033.

  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,215
    Maintain grounds, plant flowers, and trim trees. Tasks include mowing lawns and clearing leaves. Local organizations need a reliable person to keep their spaces attractive.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Ames, IA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,185
    Clean rooms and common areas in hotels and apartment complexes. Duties involve vacuuming, dusting, and tidying up. This role ensures a clean living and working space for others.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,064
    Prepare meals quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Work involves chopping, cooking, and plating dishes. This position plays a key role in delivering quality food to customers.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Ames, IA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $31,628
    Provide excellent service to customers in restaurants. Duties include taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. This role is vital for customer satisfaction.
    Find Server jobs in Ames, IA


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $30,962
    Help with food preparation and kitchen duties. Tasks include washing dishes, stocking supplies, and assisting cooks. This position supports a smooth kitchen operation.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,048
    Brew coffee and prepare other beverages. Duties involve taking orders, using espresso machines, and maintaining a clean work area. This role is key to serving customers their favorite drinks.
    Find Barista jobs in Ames, IA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $29,663
    Support servers by delivering food, refilling drinks, and setting up tables. This role helps the dining experience run smoothly. Tasks require good communication and teamwork skills.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,033
    Wash dishes, utensils, and pots. Duties include cleaning the kitchen and maintaining equipment. This position is important for keeping the kitchen clean and ready for service.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Ames, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Ames, IA?

Finding a well-paying job in Ames, IA, can make a significant difference in your career. Among the top companies, Thomson Reuters stands out with an average salary of $160,592. This leading figure highlights the potential earnings available in this area for qualified professionals. Other notable employers in Ames include the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and Story Construction, which offer average salaries of $71,274 and $66,953, respectively. These figures suggest that a range of industries provide competitive pay, offering job seekers a variety of opportunities. Companies like Athletico, Walmart, and Iowa State University also provide attractive compensation packages, making Ames a promising place for those looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting Thomson Reuters with the highest at $160,592 and Green Hills Community with the lowest at $44,069.

  1. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $160,592
    Thomson Reuters is a global provider of information and technology services for professionals. It offers solutions in tax, accounting, and legal sectors, among others.


  2. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
    Average Salary: $71,274
    This department focuses on providing public health and social services across Iowa. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of Iowans.


  3. Story Construction
    Average Salary: $66,953
    Story Construction is a local company specializing in construction projects. They focus on delivering quality construction services to the community.


  4. Athletico
    Average Salary: $59,760
    Athletico is a private practice that specializes in physical therapy and sports medicine. They provide personalized care to help people recover and stay active.


  5. Walmart
    Average Salary: $58,471
    Walmart is a worldwide retail corporation that offers a variety of products. They employ many people in various roles, from sales to management.


  6. Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business
    Average Salary: $55,689
    The Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University offers business education. It provides a range of programs and resources to help students succeed in their careers.


  7. City of Ames, Iowa
    Average Salary: $50,434
    The City of Ames provides a range of services to its residents. It employs people in various roles to maintain and improve the city.


  8. Accura HealthCare
    Average Salary: $48,828
    Accura HealthCare offers healthcare services, including staffing and therapy services. They work to provide quality care to patients in various settings.


  9. YSS
    Average Salary: $46,775
    YSS provides services to help children and families thrive. They focus on areas such as foster care, adoption, and family support services.


  10. Green Hills Community
    Average Salary: $44,069
    Green Hills Community is a healthcare organization offering services for the elderly. They aim to provide quality care and support for seniors.

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

The cost of living index in Ames, IA, shows that residents generally experience lower expenses compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For instance, housing costs in Ames stand at 88, indicating an 12% reduction from the national average. Moreover, while groceries are slightly higher at 95, utilities at 90 and transportation at 92 also remain lower, making Ames a relatively affordable place to live. In addition, healthcare costs are exactly on par with the national average at 100, and miscellaneous expenses are at 93, offering further insight into the overall cost differences. This data suggests that, on average, living in Ames, IA, can be more budget-friendly compared to other areas in the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Ames, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

The cost of living in Ames, IA, stands slightly below the nationwide average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals. Specifically, the housing index in Ames is 88, which is 12% lower than the national benchmark of 100. This reduction in housing costs can make it easier for people to find affordable living spaces in Ames, aiding those who are looking to settle down or relocate.


Additionally, the grocery index in Ames is at 95, which is only 5% below the national average. This means that the cost of food items in Ames is very close to the average, ensuring that residents do not need to spend significantly more on groceries than those living elsewhere. Utilities in Ames also reflect a small decrease, with an index of 90, suggesting a 10% reduction in costs compared to the national average. These factors combined paint a picture of a cost of living in Ames that is generally manageable and reasonable for many job seekers and families.

There are 562 job openings in Ames, IA, today!

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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.
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Ames, IA
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