Salaries in Ames, IA

1. Software Engineer
   Average Salary: $97,615
   This role involves creating and maintaining software applications. Companies like Iowa State University and local tech firms offer opportunities. The work environment is dynamic, with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
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2. Technical Project Lead
   Average Salary: $91,999
   This position requires overseeing technical projects from start to finish. Companies such as ISU and local startups value strong leadership skills. The role involves coordinating teams and ensuring project goals are met.
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3. CDL Driver
   Average Salary: $85,330
   Driving commercial vehicles is a key responsibility. Companies like Hy-Vee and local logistics firms offer these positions. The job involves long-distance travel and requires a commercial driver's license.
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4. Transportation Engineer
   Average Salary: $83,200
   This role focuses on designing and improving transportation systems. Companies such as the city of Ames and local engineering firms are hiring. The job involves planning and managing infrastructure projects.
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5. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $70,271
   Providing patient care is the main duty. Hospitals like Iowa Health System and local clinics offer these positions. The role requires strong communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care.
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6. Counselor
   Average Salary: $66,814
   Helping individuals with personal and professional issues is essential. Schools, mental health clinics, and private practices offer these roles. The job involves active listening and providing guidance.
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7. Automotive Technician
   Average Salary: $66,648
   Repairing and maintaining vehicles is a key responsibility. Dealerships and local auto repair shops offer these positions. The job requires technical skills and attention to detail.
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8. General Manager
   Average Salary: $59,083
   Managing daily operations is crucial. Restaurants, retail stores, and local businesses offer these positions. The role involves overseeing staff, managing budgets, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
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9. Licensed Practical Nurse
   Average Salary: $55,781
   Providing basic patient care is the main duty. Hospitals and local clinics offer these positions. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
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10. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $53,205
    Helping customers find products and providing excellent service is essential. Stores like Hy-Vee and local retailers offer these positions. The job involves interacting with customers and managing inventory.
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1. Loader Operator
   Average Salary: $55,917
   This role involves operating heavy machinery to load and unload materials. It requires physical strength and attention to safety. Companies like local construction firms and logistics companies offer these positions.
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2. Lawn Care Technician
   Average Salary: $38,167
   This job involves maintaining lawns and gardens. It includes tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Local landscaping companies and homeowners hire for these roles.
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3. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $37,918
   This position involves keeping outdoor areas clean and well-maintained. It includes tasks like mowing, weeding, and cleaning. Schools and parks often have these positions.
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4. Landscaper
   Average Salary: $37,835
   This role involves designing and maintaining outdoor spaces. It includes tasks like planting, mulching, and landscaping. Local landscaping companies and homeowners hire for these roles.
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5. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $32,894
   This job involves cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels or other facilities. It includes tasks like cleaning rooms, changing linens, and restocking supplies. Local hotels and motels offer these positions.
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6. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $32,654
   This role involves preparing food in a fast-paced kitchen. It includes tasks like chopping, cooking, and plating food. Local restaurants and cafes hire for these positions.
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7. Server
   Average Salary: $32,070
   This position involves serving food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. It includes tasks like taking orders, serving food, and handling payments. Local restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
   Find Server jobs in Ames, IA
   

   
   

8. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $31,571
   This role involves assisting in the kitchen to prepare food. It includes tasks like washing dishes, preparing ingredients, and cleaning. Local restaurants and cafes hire for these positions.
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9. Barista
   Average Salary: $30,813
   This position involves preparing and serving coffee and other beverages. It includes tasks like brewing coffee, making lattes, and cleaning equipment. Local cafes and coffee shops offer these positions.
   Find Barista jobs in Ames, IA
   

   
   

10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,031
    This role involves assisting servers in a restaurant. It includes tasks like setting tables, clearing dishes, and restocking supplies. Local restaurants offer these positions.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Ames, IA
    

1. Thomson Reuters
   Average Salary: $160,592
   Thomson Reuters is a global leader in providing information for business and professionals. They offer solutions in tax, legal, risk, compliance, and accounting. Their work environment is highly professional and they offer competitive salaries.
   

   
   

2. Iowa Department of Transportation
   Average Salary: $73,107
   The Iowa Department of Transportation works to build and maintain the state's roads and infrastructure. They provide stable employment and a good salary for those in the field of transportation and public works.
   

   
   

3. State of Iowa
   Average Salary: $67,841
   The State of Iowa offers a wide range of jobs in various sectors, from education to public safety. They provide a stable work environment and a good salary for state employees.
   

   
   

4. STORY CONSTRUCTION
   Average Salary: $64,964
   STORY CONSTRUCTION is a leading construction company in Ames. They specialize in building commercial and residential properties. They offer a good salary and opportunities for career growth.
   

   
   

5. Iowa State University
   Average Salary: $55,589
   Iowa State University is a major educational institution in Ames. They offer a variety of jobs in teaching, research, and administration. The university provides a good salary and benefits for its employees.
   

   
   

6. MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER
   Average Salary: $54,306
   MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER is a leading healthcare provider in Ames. They offer jobs in various medical fields. The center provides a good salary and opportunities for professional development.
   

   
   

7. Bickford Senior Living
   Average Salary: $47,043
   Bickford Senior Living provides residential care for seniors. They offer jobs in caregiving and management. The company provides a good salary and a supportive work environment.
   

   
   

8. BioLife Plasma Services
   Average Salary: $46,814
   BioLife Plasma Services collects plasma donations for medical use. They offer jobs in customer service and operations. The company provides a fair salary and benefits.
   

   
   

9. ChildServe
   Average Salary: $43,286
   ChildServe provides services for children and families in need. They offer jobs in social work, education, and administration. The organization provides a good salary and opportunities for growth.
   

   
   

10. AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
    Average Salary: $41,133
    The Ames Community School District is the local public school system. They offer jobs in teaching, administration, and support services. The district provides a fair salary and benefits for its employees.
    

The cost of living in Ames, IA, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Ames stand at 85, indicating that residents can expect to pay 15% less than the national average for housing. This lower housing index can be a significant advantage for job seekers, as it allows for more disposable income for other necessities and savings.

Ames also shows competitive pricing in other areas. Groceries cost 95, which is 5% less than the national average. Utilities are priced at 90, which means residents pay 10% less for utilities compared to the average American. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 93, indicating a minimal increase of 3%. Healthcare costs are notably lower at 98, which is only 2% above the national average. Miscellaneous expenses are at 87, representing a 13% reduction. Overall, the cost of living in Ames offers a balanced and often lower cost of living in key areas compared to the national average.