What is the average salary in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary is around $52,290. This average helps job seekers understand what to expect in the local job market. It gives a baseline for different types of jobs available in the area.
The salary distribution in Ames is diverse, with many jobs offering a range of earnings. The lowest paid jobs earn about $23,000, while the highest can go up to $162,500. Below is a list of the most common salary brackets for jobs in Ames:
- 30.52% earn between $23,000 and $35,682
- 23.93% earn between $35,682 and $48,364
- 14.22% earn between $48,364 and $61,045
- 9.00% earn between $61,045 and $73,727
- 7.36% earn between $73,727 and $86,409
- 3.87% earn between $86,409 and $99,091
- 3.16% earn between $99,091 and $111,773
- 0.92% earn between $111,773 and $124,455
- 0.94% earn between $124,455 and $137,136
- 0.50% earn between $137,136 and $149,818
- 0.57% earn over $149,818
What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA?
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $93,557
This role involves overseeing technical projects. It coordinates teams and manages budgets. Companies like ISU and local tech firms need skilled leads.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $85,922
Drive large vehicles to transport goods. Safety and timely delivery are key. Many opportunities with transport firms in the area.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $71,324
Provide care for patients in hospitals and clinics. Requires strong communication and quick decision-making. Work for ISU Health Center or local clinics.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $68,935
Offer mental health support to individuals and groups. Requires empathy and strong listening skills. Work for community centers and private practices.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $68,071
Diagnose and fix vehicle issues. Requires technical know-how. Many dealerships and independent shops seek skilled technicians.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $61,856
Manage daily operations for businesses. Requires leadership and organizational skills. Opportunities in restaurants and retail.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $58,725
Provide basic patient care under supervision. Requires strong clinical skills. Work in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $53,983
Maintain and repair equipment. Requires technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Many openings with local businesses and ISU.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $52,756
Assist customers and manage sales. Requires good communication skills. Opportunities in local stores and ISU shops.
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Administrative Assistant
Average Salary: $43,251
Support office operations. Requires organizational skills and attention to detail. Many roles with local businesses and universities.
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What are the best paying jobs in Ames, IA without a degree?
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $37,758
This role involves maintaining the grounds of buildings and properties. People in this job keep areas neat and attractive. Companies in Ames often need these workers for schools, parks, and large estates.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $36,233
Landscaping includes designing and maintaining outdoor spaces. Workers here plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. Local businesses in Ames, like nurseries and garden centers, hire landscapers to make outdoor areas beautiful.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $33,719
This job focuses on keeping rooms and common areas clean. Housekeepers do tasks like making beds and cleaning bathrooms. Hotels and motels in Ames often need these workers to ensure guests have a clean and comfortable stay.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,173
Servers work in restaurants, helping customers order and serve food. This job involves taking orders and delivering food and drinks. Local eateries in Ames rely on servers to provide a good dining experience.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $32,960
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook dishes quickly. They work in fast-paced kitchens, often in restaurants. Many kitchens in Ames need line cooks to keep up with busy schedules.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $31,441
Kitchen team members help in various areas of the kitchen. They assist with food prep, cooking, and cleaning. Restaurants and cafes in Ames often hire team members to support the kitchen staff.
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Barista
Average Salary: $30,988
Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes. Many local shops in Ames need baristas to make delicious drinks for customers.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $30,531
Server assistants support servers by setting tables and clearing dishes. They work in the dining area and help keep the service smooth. Restaurants in Ames often hire assistants to support their service staff.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $28,327
Dishwasher duties include cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This role keeps the kitchen clean and ready. Many local restaurants and cafes in Ames need dishwashers to maintain cleanliness.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Ames, IA?
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Thomson Reuters
Average Salary: $160,592
Thomson Reuters is a global leader in providing news and information. It offers a range of exciting job opportunities with competitive salaries. The company values innovation and growth, making it an excellent place to work.
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Iowa Department of Transportation
Average Salary: $72,618
The Iowa Department of Transportation focuses on building and maintaining roads and infrastructure. It offers stable jobs with a good salary. Employees have opportunities to grow and contribute to the community's safety and efficiency.
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State of Iowa
Average Salary: $68,977
The State of Iowa provides a variety of jobs in different fields. It offers competitive pay and benefits, along with opportunities for advancement. It is a great place to start or advance your career.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $57,844
Walmart is a well-known retailer with numerous positions available. It offers a range of career opportunities from entry-level to management. The company provides training and development programs to help employees grow.
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Iowa State University
Average Salary: $55,721
Iowa State University is a leading educational institution. It offers jobs in various departments, including education, research, and administration. The university provides a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.
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Athletico Physical Therapy
Average Salary: $55,557
Athletico Physical Therapy focuses on providing physical therapy services. It offers a variety of positions for healthcare professionals. The company values teamwork and patient care, providing a positive work environment.
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BioLife Plasma Services
Average Salary: $44,670
BioLife Plasma Services collects plasma for medical use. It offers jobs that provide stable hours and competitive pay. The company prioritizes employee health and safety, creating a supportive workplace.
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Green Hills Community
Average Salary: $42,863
Green Hills Community offers healthcare and support services. It provides a variety of positions for those interested in helping others. The company values compassion and dedication, offering opportunities for professional growth.
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AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Average Salary: $41,224
The Ames Community School District is a leading educational institution. It offers teaching and administrative positions. The district values education and community, providing a rewarding work environment.
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Hy-Vee, Inc.
Average Salary: $40,038
Hy-Vee, Inc. is a grocery and pharmacy retailer. It offers various positions, from store staff to management. The company provides competitive pay and benefits, along with opportunities for career advancement.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA compare to the national average?
Ames, IA, offers a notably lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall cost of living index of 89. This places Ames 11% below the national average. Housing costs in Ames are particularly attractive, sitting at 85, which means they are 15% cheaper than the national average. Additionally, groceries and transportation both mirror the nationwide average closely, with slight variations of 10% and 10% respectively.
Utilities and healthcare in Ames are slightly lower than the average, with indexes of 95 and 95, which are 5% under the national benchmark. This makes essential services more affordable for residents. Miscellaneous costs, including things like entertainment and personal care, are also competitive, at 92, representing an 8% reduction from the nationwide average. Altogether, these factors combine to make Ames an appealing location for job seekers and families looking for a cost-effective place to live.
