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Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Ames, IA

Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA, command an average annual salary of $39,820, significantly surpassing the national average of $34,470. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized demand and potentially higher operational costs or a more concentrated need for these vital services within the Ames metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,890.
  • Outlook: Ames, IA, presents a robust job market for Animal Caretakers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 220 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.18 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 2.2 times the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for animal care professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,820

The average Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA earns+15.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.1

Weekly

$766

Monthly

$3,318

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA

Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA, typically correlates with increased experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$22,330$10.7
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$29,865$14.4
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$37,050$17.8
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$49,775$23.9
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$54,890$26.4

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,820 in Ames, IA, offers excellent purchasing power, as the local Cost of Living Index stands precisely at the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to the national average in terms of real value, making Ames an economically stable location for Animal Caretakers.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

3.917

Per 1K Jobs

2.18

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Ames, IA has 2.2x the national concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.18, Ames, IA, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Animal Caretaker jobs compared to the national landscape. This suggests a competitive yet abundant market, where demand for skilled professionals is notably strong, potentially leading to more frequent job openings and a favorable environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

CitySalaryDist.
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary$28,520↓ 28%21 mi
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary$30,480↓ 23%21 mi
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary$29,780↓ 25%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$32,330↓ 19%31 mi

Comparing salaries near Ames, IA

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Ames, IA?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA is $39,820. This typically ranges from $22,330 for entry-level positions to $54,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 15.5% higher than the national median of $34,470.

Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Ames, IA is a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers.Animal Caretakers in Ames earn an average of $39,820 annually, which is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.

Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($28,520) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average for Animal Caretakers?

The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA, is $39,820, which is notably higher than the national average of $34,470.

What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA?

Ames, IA has a concentration of Animal Caretakers with a Location Quotient of 2.18, indicating the area has more than double the national average presence of this profession.

How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the Animal Caretaker salary?

The cost of living in Ames, IA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher-than-average salary of $39,820 provides strong real income and purchasing power for Animal Caretakers.

What does the job market look like for Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA?

The job market is robust, with 3.917 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high concentration (LQ 2.18), suggesting strong demand and a favorable employment landscape for Animal Caretakers in Ames.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 3.917 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA