Average Firefighters Salary in Ames, IA
Yes, Ames, IA is a highly lucrative market for Firefighterss. With an average annual salary of $70,940, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,140.
- Outlook: The current demand for Firefighterss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Ames, IA earns+63.5%above the national average.
$34.1
$1,364
$5,912
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Firefighters salaries in Ames, IA have seen a slight adjustment of -3.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Firefighterss in Ames, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $86,140.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $37,430 | $18 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $53,205 | $25.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $86,140 | $41.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $88,675 | $42.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $86,140 | $41.4 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $70,940 to $70,940.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
1.115
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.52x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Firefighters in Ames, IA.
1.115 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Firefighters positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $53,720↓ 24% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $36,990↓ 48% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $46,770↓ 34% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Firefighters Salary | $62,560↓ 12% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Ames, IA is $70,940. This typically ranges from $37,430 for entry-level positions to $86,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 63.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Firefighterss?
Yes, Ames, IA is financially attractive for Firefighterss. The average salary of $70,940 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Firefighters?
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.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 1.115 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA