Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Ames, IA
Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA earn an average annual salary of $47,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Ames market. The cost of living in Ames, however, aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that this salary offers stable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 68.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,230.
- Outlook: The light truck driver job market in Ames, IA, comprises approximately 200 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand compared to national trends. The rate of 3.548 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes this local employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA earns-1.0%below the national average.
$22.8
$912
$3,953
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Light Truck Drivers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for skilled labor in this sector.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or a proven safety record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,320 | $11.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,573 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,090 | $19.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,288 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $94,230 | $45.3 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,430 in Ames, IA, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its value precisely against the national average cost of goods and services, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
3.548
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.55x the national average concentration of Light Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.55 for Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while there may be fewer specialized roles or a smaller pool of employers seeking these drivers compared to the rest of the country, the market is not overly saturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $42,270↓ 11% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,010↓ 5% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $47,970↑ 1% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,250↓ 5% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $46,910↓ 1% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA is $47,430. This typically ranges from $24,320 for entry-level positions to $94,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 1.0% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $47,430 is slightly below the national average of $47,920, and the concentration of jobs (LQ of 0.55) is also lower than the national benchmark.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
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 ($42,270) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Light Truck Drivers in Ames, IA is $47,430, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,920.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Ames, IA?
An LQ of 0.55 means that Light Truck Drivers are less concentrated in Ames, IA, compared to the national average, suggesting a smaller but potentially less competitive job market for this role.
Does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the salary?
No, the cost of living in Ames, IA, is exactly at the national average (100 index), meaning the $47,430 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
How many Light Truck Drivers are there in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 200 Light Truck Drivers employed in Ames, IA, representing 3.548 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 3.548 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA