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What is the average salary in Ames, IA?

The average salary in Ames, IA is $52,020 per year.

In Ames, IA, job seekers can expect a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $52,020. This amount provides a general benchmark for what workers can earn in the area. It covers a variety of sectors, each offering unique opportunities for professionals.


Salaries in Ames vary based on the job sector. The highest-paying sectors include those in IT, finance, and healthcare. Workers in these sectors may earn more than the average salary. Other sectors also offer competitive salaries, making Ames a viable place for job seekers to consider. Understanding these differences can help job seekers make informed career choices.

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What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA?

If you are looking for a top-paying job in Ames, IA, several career paths offer competitive salaries. CDL drivers in Ames earn an average of $84,103 per year, making this a highly lucrative field. Registered nurses also command a strong salary, averaging $72,269 annually. These roles provide good compensation for the work involved. Other high-paying jobs in Ames include counselor, general manager, and licensed practical nurse. Counselors earn around $70,465 per year, while general managers average $63,585. Licensed practical nurses in the area see a salary of about $60,229. These positions offer attractive pay packages for those who qualify.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting CDL Driver with the highest at $84,103 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $37,886.
  1. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $84,103
    Companies hire drivers to transport goods. Responsibilities include loading and unloading cargo. CDL drivers may work for logistics companies or local businesses.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Ames, IA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,269
    This role involves patient care and treatment. Nurses work in hospitals and clinics, collaborating with doctors. Experience with local healthcare providers is valuable.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Counselor
    Average Salary: $70,465
    Counselors offer support and guidance. They work with individuals or groups, helping with personal issues. Opportunities exist in community centers or private practices.
    Find Counselor jobs in Ames, IA


  4. General Manager
    Average Salary: $63,585
    This position oversees daily operations of a business. Managers coordinate staff and ensure smooth running of the company. Experience in local retail or hospitality sectors is beneficial.
    Find General Manager jobs in Ames, IA


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $60,229
    LPNs provide basic medical care. They work in hospitals and clinics, assisting doctors. LPNs can find roles with local health facilities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $55,918
    Technicians handle repairs and maintenance tasks. They ensure equipment runs smoothly. Opportunities arise with property management companies or local businesses.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Ames, IA


  7. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $50,888
    Sales associates assist customers and manage sales. They work in stores, promoting products. Local retail chains offer positions for experienced sales staff.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Administrative Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,133
    Assistants handle office tasks and support managers. They organize schedules and documents. Local businesses need assistants with strong organizational skills.
    Find Administrative Assistant jobs in Ames, IA


  9. Store Manager
    Average Salary: $41,663
    Managers oversee store operations. They manage staff and customer service. Local retail stores look for managers with retail experience.
    Find Store Manager jobs in Ames, IA


  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $37,886
    Drivers deliver goods and packages. They navigate routes and ensure timely deliveries. Companies in the logistics sector often hire drivers.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Ames, IA

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

For job seekers in Ames, Iowa, looking to find well-paying work without a college degree, several options offer competitive salaries. Roles such as groundskeeper, landscaper, and housekeeping can lead to earnings around $35,000 to $37,000 annually. Additionally, jobs in the food service sector, such as line cook, server, and kitchen team member, also provide solid pay, with salaries typically starting around $31,000 to $33,000 each year. These positions offer opportunities for steady income in a variety of settings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ames, IA without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $37,171 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $28,614.
  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,171
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and businesses. Ensure the area is safe and clean. Companies in the area offer good benefits and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Ames, IA


  2. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $36,067
    Design and maintain landscapes for homes and commercial properties. Use tools to plant, prune, and maintain gardens. Many local businesses offer competitive pay.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Ames, IA


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $35,066
    Clean rooms and public areas in hotels, offices, and residential properties. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness and order. Companies often provide training and growth opportunities.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Ames, IA


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,984
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in fast-paced kitchen environments. Work under pressure to meet deadlines. Local restaurants offer a chance to learn new skills.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Ames, IA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $32,957
    Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. Provide excellent customer service and take orders. Many restaurants in the area provide tips and benefits.
    Find Server jobs in Ames, IA


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,142
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. Ensure a clean and efficient workspace. Companies offer flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Ames, IA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,684
    Help servers with tasks like setting tables and clearing dishes. Provide support to the kitchen staff. A great entry-level position with room for growth.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,522
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to take orders. Many cafes offer a welcoming atmosphere and training.
    Find Barista jobs in Ames, IA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $28,614
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Opportunities for overtime and growth in busy restaurants.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Ames, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Ames, IA?

Job seekers looking to Ames, IA, can find attractive salary opportunities with various companies. Companies like Thomson Reuters offer the highest average salary at $160,592 annually, followed by the State of Iowa with $71,791. These figures reflect strong compensation packages available in the area for skilled workers. Several other companies in Ames also provide competitive salaries. Athletico Physical Therapy, Walmart, and Iowa State University offer average salaries over $50,000. Employers like AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT and Lutheran Services in Iowa offer salaries around $40,000, with ChildServe and Optimae LifeServices also providing solid compensation. These salaries make Ames an appealing destination for those seeking good-paying job opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Ames, IA, highlighting Thomson Reuters with the highest at $160,592 and Optimae LifeServices with the lowest at $37,186.
  1. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $160,592
    Thomson Reuters is a well-known global provider of information for businesses and professionals. They offer solutions in tax, accounting, legal, risk, and compliance. Employees benefit from competitive salaries and diverse career growth opportunities.


  2. State of Iowa
    Average Salary: $71,791
    The State of Iowa offers a range of careers in various fields. State employees enjoy benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. It is a stable and respected employer.


  3. Athletico Physical Therapy
    Average Salary: $57,285
    Athletico Physical Therapy is a leading provider of physical therapy services. They offer excellent career opportunities with a focus on patient care. Competitive salaries and a supportive work environment are key features.


  4. Walmart
    Average Salary: $56,587
    Walmart is a retail giant known for its variety of products. They offer various positions in retail, management, and more. Employees can expect competitive pay and opportunities for advancement.


  5. Iowa State University
    Average Salary: $55,465
    Iowa State University is a leading educational institution with a variety of job opportunities. From teaching to administrative roles, the university offers stable employment with good benefits.


  6. Green Hills Community
    Average Salary: $44,528
    Green Hills Community provides healthcare and community services. They offer rewarding careers with a focus on patient care and community support. Competitive salaries and a caring work environment are highlights.


  7. AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
    Average Salary: $40,816
    The Ames Community School District is a leading employer in education. They offer a range of roles from teaching to administrative positions. Competitive salaries and a supportive community are key aspects of working here.


  8. Lutheran Services in Iowa
    Average Salary: $38,597
    Lutheran Services in Iowa provides a variety of social and health services. They offer fulfilling careers with competitive pay and a focus on community well-being.


  9. ChildServe
    Average Salary: $38,344
    ChildServe supports children and families with special needs. They offer diverse job opportunities with a focus on care and support. Competitive salaries and a caring environment are key features.


  10. Optimae LifeServices
    Average Salary: $37,186
    Optimae LifeServices provides various community and health services. They offer rewarding careers with a focus on improving lives. Competitive pay and a supportive work environment are key.

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

The cost of living index in Ames, IA, presents a profile that is below the nationwide average of 100 across most categories. Specifically, Ames' housing index stands at 85, indicating that housing is 15% cheaper than the national average. While utilities and transportation also reflect lower costs at 90 and 88, respectively, other areas like groceries and healthcare hover close to or slightly above the national average. This mix suggests a generally favorable living environment for job seekers looking for affordable options.
Cost of living comparison graph for Ames, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Ames, Iowa, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing in Ames comes in at 85, which means it costs 15% less than the average place in the country. This can be a major advantage for job seekers, allowing them to potentially secure more housing for their money or save on living expenses.


In addition to housing, other categories in Ames also show a favorable comparison. Groceries in Ames are priced at 95, which is 5% less than the nationwide average. Utilities cost slightly less at 90, representing a 10% reduction in expenses. Transportation costs 88, showing an 12% decrease. Healthcare at 97 is only 3% above the national average, while miscellaneous expenses come in at 92, which is 8% lower than average. Overall, Ames provides a living environment that is cost-effective in several key areas, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their budgets efficiently.

There are 504 job openings in Ames, IA, today!

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

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City
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Ames, IA
504 Job Openings