Salaries in Ames, IA

1. Technical Project Lead
   Average Salary: $94,412
   Leads development projects at tech companies. Works with teams to ensure projects are completed on time. Companies in Ames include software development firms.
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2. CDL Driver
   Average Salary: $85,124
   Drives large vehicles for local businesses. Ensures safe and timely transport of goods. Many local businesses offer competitive pay for experienced drivers.
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3. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $72,212
   Provides patient care in local hospitals and clinics. Monitors patient health and administers treatments. Works with experienced medical teams to ensure patient well-being.
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4. Counselor
   Average Salary: $69,778
   Offers guidance and support to individuals. Helps clients with personal and professional challenges. Works in schools, community centers, and private practices.
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5. General Manager
   Average Salary: $62,848
   Manages daily operations at local businesses. Oversees staff and ensures customer satisfaction. Experience in retail or hospitality is often required.
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6. Licensed Practical Nurse
   Average Salary: $59,855
   Provides basic patient care in healthcare facilities. Works under the supervision of registered nurses. Offers essential support in clinics and hospitals.
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7. Maintenance Technician
   Average Salary: $55,590
   Fixes and maintains equipment in various facilities. Ensures machinery runs smoothly. Works in schools, offices, and manufacturing plants.
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8. Retail Sales Associate
   Average Salary: $51,436
   Helps customers find products in local stores. Provides information about items and handles transactions. Offers a welcoming shopping experience for customers.
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9. Administrative Assistant
   Average Salary: $43,074
   Supports office operations by managing schedules and handling correspondence. Assists managers and staff with administrative tasks. Ensures smooth office functioning.
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10. Dental Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,643
    Assists dentists during procedures. Prepares equipment and ensures patient comfort. Works in local dental clinics to support dental professionals.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Ames, IA
    

1. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $37,542
   A groundskeeper cares for the grounds of buildings and properties. This work may include landscaping, mowing, and maintaining gardens. Companies like local parks and schools often need groundskeepers.
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2. Landscaper
   Average Salary: $36,369
   A landscaper designs and maintains outdoor spaces. This includes planting trees, flowers, and lawns. Landscaping firms and property management companies often hire landscapers.
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3. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $34,747
   Housekeeping staff clean and organize rooms in hotels, motels, and residential properties. Attention to detail is key. Employers like local hotels and guest homes need housekeepers.
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4. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $33,026
   A line cook prepares food in a commercial kitchen. They work fast in high-pressure environments. Many local restaurants and cafes hire line cooks.
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5. Server
   Average Salary: $32,674
   Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They need to be friendly and efficient. Dining establishments often look for servers.
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6. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $31,527
   A kitchen team member helps in the kitchen by preparing food and keeping the area clean. They work closely with cooks and chefs. Restaurants and food service companies hire kitchen team members.
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7. Server Assistant
   Average Salary: $30,582
   Server assistants help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. They work in busy dining areas. Many restaurants need server assistants.
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8. Barista
   Average Salary: $30,522
   A barista makes coffee and other drinks in cafes. They need to be skilled in using coffee machines. Local cafes often hire baristas.
   Find Barista jobs in Ames, IA
   

   
   

9. Dishwasher
   Average Salary: $28,527
   Dishwasher clean dishes, glasses, and utensils in restaurants and cafes. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Many food service companies need dishwashers.
   Find Dishwasher jobs in Ames, IA
   

1. Thomson Reuters
   Average Salary: $160,592
   Thomson Reuters is a leading global provider of information and technology solutions for the business and professional markets. It's a great place to work if you want to be part of a dynamic and innovative team.
   

   
   

2. State of Iowa
   Average Salary: $71,940
   The State of Iowa offers a range of opportunities in various fields, from public administration to healthcare. It's a stable and respected employer, offering good benefits and a strong sense of community.
   

   
   

3. Walmart
   Average Salary: $57,493
   As a retail giant, Walmart provides a wide range of job opportunities. It's known for its commitment to employee development and its family-friendly policies.
   

   
   

4. Athletico Physical Therapy
   Average Salary: $56,528
   Athletico Physical Therapy specializes in outpatient physical therapy services. It's a great choice for those looking to work in a healthcare setting with a focus on patient care.
   

   
   

5. Iowa State University
   Average Salary: $55,661
   Iowa State University offers numerous opportunities in education and research. It's an excellent place for those seeking to make a difference in the academic world.
   

The cost of living in Ames, Iowa, shows some variations when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Ames are notably lower, sitting at an index of 85, which is 15% below the national average. This presents an opportunity for job seekers to find more affordable living options in Ames. Moreover, groceries are slightly below the average, with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% cheaper than the average. Utilities also follow this trend, coming in at 90, or 10% below the national average.

Transportation costs in Ames, with an index of 92, are just 2% below the national average. This indicates that commuting expenses in Ames are nearly on par with other areas. Healthcare costs, however, slightly exceed the national average, with an index of 98, which is 2% higher. Miscellaneous expenses also reflect a modest difference, standing at an index of 87, which is 3% lower. Overall, Ames offers a balanced cost of living with certain areas, like housing and groceries, providing significant savings compared to the national average.