Average Graphic Designers Salary in Ames, IA
The average salary for Graphic Designerss in Ames, IA is $54,650. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Ames, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Ames, IA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.34x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,760.
- Outlook: The current demand for Graphic Designerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Ames, IA earns-20.3%below the national average.
$26.3
$1,051
$4,554
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Graphic Designers salaries in Ames, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 1.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Graphic Designerss 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 $39,250, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $72,760.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,250 | $18.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $40,988 | $19.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $56,640 | $27.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $68,313 | $32.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $72,760 | $35 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,650 to $54,650.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
1.868
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Graphic Designers roles compared to the national norm.
110 people work as Graphic Designers in Ames, IA.
1.868 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Graphic Designers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $50,590↓ 7% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $46,140↓ 16% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $45,750↓ 16% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $44,210↓ 19% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $53,600↓ 2% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Ames, IA is $54,650. This typically ranges from $39,250 for entry-level positions to $72,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 20.3% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Graphic Designerss?
Yes, Ames, IA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($54,650), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Graphic Designerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
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 ($50,590) 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 110 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 1.868 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA