Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Ames, IA
In Ames, Iowa, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $77,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local economic factors, industry concentration, or specific employer compensation strategies in Ames influence this pay scale. The unique dynamics of the Ames job market play a significant role in shaping compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,750.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.65, significantly exceeding the national average. With 24.825 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 1,400 in this sector, there is a clear demand and specialized presence of these roles within the Ames economy, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA earns-15.9%below the national average.
$37.1
$1,485
$6,435
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized scientific expertise likely contribute to a positive trajectory in compensation, even if local averages currently trail the national benchmark.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Within the Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA, salary progression is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and substantial income growth within this field in Ames.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,730 | $18.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,915 | $27.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $72,140 | $34.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $96,525 | $46.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,750 | $60.9 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,220 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average for these occupations, the purchasing power of that income in Ames is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $77,220 salary offers a comparable standard of living to what one might expect elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
1,400
Total Jobs
24.825
Per 1K Jobs
2.65
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 2.6x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Ames, IA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.65. This indicates that these professions are significantly more prevalent in Ames relative to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized industry presence, potentially driven by local educational institutions or research facilities, making the job market competitive yet abundant for those with relevant skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA is $77,220. This typically ranges from $38,730 for entry-level positions to $126,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 15.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living in Ames is at the national average, the average salary of $77,220 is substantially lower than the national average of $91,840 for these occupations.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($69,470) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames job market compare nationally for these science roles?
Ames has a significantly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.65, indicating a specialized local industry.
What is the total number of Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in Ames?
There are approximately 1,400 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Ames, IA.
How does the cost of living in Ames affect the salary?
The cost of living in Ames is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $77,220 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average for these roles.
Are there many job opportunities for scientists in Ames?
Yes, the high concentration (LQ 2.65) and number of jobs per 1,000 workers (24.825) suggest a robust and specialized job market for these science occupations in Ames.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,400 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 24.825 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA