Average Computer Network Support Specialists Salary in Ames, IA
Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA, earn an average annual salary of $76,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $80,960, a common occurrence in markets with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Ames contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Computer Network Support Specialists, Ames, IA, presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 3.73 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized talent pool.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA earns-4.9%below the national average.
$37
$1,480
$6,414
Computer Network Support Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for IT infrastructure support and the evolving complexity of network technologies.
Computer Network Support Specialists Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Career progression for Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA, is clearly reflected in salary variations. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior specialists with extensive experience and specialized skills command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the significant earning potential as professionals advance through their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $56,380 | $27.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,728 | $27.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,050 | $38.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $96,213 | $46.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,960 | $47.1 |
Detailed Computer Network Support Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $76,970 in Ames, IA, is perfectly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Network Support Specialist's salary in Ames is equivalent to the national average, offering good financial stability without the premium often associated with higher-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
3.543
Per 1K Jobs
3.73
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 3.7x the national concentration of Computer Network Support Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.73 for Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these specialists is substantially higher relative to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but favorable conditions for professionals already established in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Network Support Specialists Salary | $66,050↓ 14% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Network Support Specialists Salary | $62,320↓ 19% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Network Support Specialists Salary | $62,960↓ 18% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Network Support Specialists Salary | $57,620↓ 25% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Computer Network Support Specialists Salary | $66,660↓ 13% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Computer Network Support Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Network Support Specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA is $76,970. This typically ranges from $56,380 for entry-level positions to $97,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 4.9% lower than the national median of $80,960.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Yes, Ames, IA offers a stable and competitive environment for Computer Network Support Specialists.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power. The high concentration of specialists (LQ of 3.73) points to significant local demand.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Computer Network Support Specialists?
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 ($66,050) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Network Support Specialists in Ames, IA is $76,970, which is slightly lower than the national average of $80,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Ames, IA?
An LQ of 3.73 means that Computer Network Support Specialists are 3.73 times more concentrated in Ames, IA, than in the average U.S. location, indicating a strong local presence and demand for this profession.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $76,970 salary in Ames provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 200 Computer Network Support Specialists suggests a moderately sized but established professional community within Ames, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 3.543 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Network Support Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA