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Average Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Ames, IA

In Ames, Iowa, Home Health and Personal Care Aides earn an average annual salary of $40,830. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $34,910, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these essential workers in the region. Local demand and the specific economic conditions within Ames likely contribute to this higher pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,560.
  • Outlook: Ames, IA supports a local workforce of 820 Home Health and Personal Care Aides. While the Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of 14.581 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a steady demand for these services within the community. This indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,830

The average Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Ames, IA earns+17.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.6

Weekly

$785

Monthly

$3,403

Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary Distribution in Ames, IA

Career progression for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Ames, IA, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced aides with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this scaling, offering a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$29,790$14.3
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$30,623$14.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$39,220$18.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$51,038$24.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$54,560$26.2

Detailed Home Health and Personal Care Aides Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,830 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an aide's salary in Ames is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

820

Total Jobs

14.581

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ames, IA has 0.56x the national average concentration of Home Health and Personal Care Aides jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.56, Ames, IA, has a lower concentration of Home Health and Personal Care Aides relative to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may be less saturated than in other areas, potentially offering more opportunities for new entrants or those seeking employment. It indicates a balanced market where the need for these services is met without an overabundance of professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Home Health and Personal Care Aides make in Ames, IA?

The median annual salary for a Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Ames, IA is $40,830. This typically ranges from $29,790 for entry-level positions to $54,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 17.0% higher than the national median of $34,910.

Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Home Health and Personal Care Aides?

Yes, it offers above-average pay.Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Ames, IA, earn an average of $40,830 annually, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes it a financially sound location for these professionals.

Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Home Health and Personal Care Aides?

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 ($35,830) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the salary in Ames compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Ames, IA, is $40,830, which is notably higher than the national average of $34,910.

What is the Cost of Living in Ames, IA?

Ames, IA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Home Health and Personal Care Aides work in Ames, IA?

There are approximately 820 Home Health and Personal Care Aides employed in Ames, IA, representing 14.581 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.

Is the job market for Home Health and Personal Care Aides competitive in Ames, IA?

The market is moderately competitive. The Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand relative to supply.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 14.581 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.