Average Computer User Support Specialists Salary in Ames, IA
Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA, command an average annual salary of $68,060, surpassing the national average of $64,650. This localized premium is likely influenced by the specific demand dynamics and the concentration of related industries within the Ames metropolitan area, creating a favorable compensation environment for these essential IT professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,730.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA, appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 360 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.42. This quotient, significantly above the national average of 1.0, indicates a higher concentration of these roles in Ames relative to the rest of the country, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable job outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA earns+5.3%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,309
$5,672
Computer User Support Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Computer User Support Specialist salaries in Ames, IA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing reliance on technology, evolving IT infrastructure, and the demand for skilled support personnel likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this field.
Computer User Support Specialists Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Career progression for Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior specialists with advanced technical skills and problem-solving expertise can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the substantial earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,045 | $24.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,130 | $29.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,075 | $40.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,730 | $47 |
Detailed Computer User Support Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Ames, IA, the nominal salary of $68,060 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Ames is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the added burden of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
6.435
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer User Support Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.42 for Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA, signifies a market that is approximately 42% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand for these specialists is notably higher than in many other regions, potentially leading to more job opportunities and specialized roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer User Support Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer User Support Specialists Salary | $53,720↓ 21% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer User Support Specialists Salary | $51,980↓ 24% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer User Support Specialists Salary | $53,040↓ 22% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer User Support Specialists Salary | $50,070↓ 26% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Computer User Support Specialists Salary | $60,620↓ 11% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Computer User Support Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer User Support Specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA is $68,060. This typically ranges from $45,550 for entry-level positions to $97,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 5.3% higher than the national median of $64,650.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Computer User Support Specialists?
Yes, Ames, IA offers a lucrative environment for Computer User Support Specialists.The average salary of $68,060 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power for these professionals.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Computer User 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 ($53,720) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA is $68,060, which is higher than the national average of $64,650.
What is the concentration of Computer User Support Specialists in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA has a higher concentration of Computer User Support Specialists than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.42, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Ames, IA is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $68,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
The total local workforce of 360 Computer User Support Specialists indicates a substantial pool of professionals in this role within Ames, IA, contributing to the specialized nature of the local IT job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 6.435 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 User Support Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA