Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Ames, IA
Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA earn an average annual salary of $75,290, which is slightly below the national average of $79,090. This localized pay reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Ames metropolitan area, influencing compensation levels for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,190.
- Outlook: Ames, IA supports a local workforce of 250 Human Resources Specialists, indicating a stable, albeit niche, job market. The location quotient of 0.74 suggests that while HR Specialists are present, the concentration is slightly lower than the national average, implying a potentially balanced demand-supply dynamic for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA earns-4.8%below the national average.
$36.2
$1,448
$6,274
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Human Resources Specialists have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing demand for skilled HR professionals and evolving workplace regulations.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA, is typically marked by salary increases corresponding to experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior HR roles command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting expanded responsibilities and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $47,470 | $22.8 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $56,468 | $27.1 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $68,990 | $33.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $94,113 | $45.2 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $116,190 | $55.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Ames, IA, is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $75,290 for Human Resources Specialists offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral in terms of living expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
4.386
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.74x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.74 for Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA, indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there may be fewer specialized opportunities than in larger metropolitan hubs, requiring a focused job search.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,890↓ 6% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,900↓ 12% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $68,080↓ 10% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $67,010↓ 11% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $76,230↑ 1% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA is $75,290. This typically ranges from $47,470 for entry-level positions to $116,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 4.8% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $75,290 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. While stable, it doesn't offer a substantial financial advantage over other locations.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Human Resources 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 ($70,890) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Ames, IA, is $75,290, which is approximately $3,800 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Ames, IA?
The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.74, meaning there are fewer HR Specialists per worker in Ames compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Ames affect the HR Specialist salary?
No, the cost of living in Ames is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $75,290 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many HR Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 4.386 Human Resources Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in 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 250 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 4.386 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA