In Ames, IA, Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, earn an average annual salary of $58,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,890, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a role in compensation within this specific educational sector. The cost of living in Ames aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning this salary offers a comparable purchasing power to the national median.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Middle School Teachers in Ames, IA, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32, which is above the national average. With 5.32 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 300 in this role, there is a consistent demand, suggesting a stable employment environment for educators in this field within the Ames area.
Salary Overview
The average Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in Ames, IA earns-3.2%below the national average.
$28.4
$1,134
$4,914
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Middle School Teachers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for educators, and evolving curriculum requirements typically drive modest annual salary increases in the education sector.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Middle School Teachers in Ames, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the average of $58,970, while seasoned educators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching into the top percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the career trajectory and earning potential as teachers advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,850 | $19.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,228 | $21.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,180 | $28.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $73,713 | $35.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $77,770 | $37.4 |
Detailed Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $58,970 in Ames, IA, is well-balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This alignment indicates that the purchasing power of an educator's salary in Ames is equivalent to that of a teacher earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, making it a stable financial environment for relocation.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
5.32
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that Middle School Teachers are more concentrated in Ames, IA, than the national average. This suggests a slightly more robust or specialized market for these educators compared to other professions, potentially indicating a healthy demand relative to the available workforce, though not necessarily a highly competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educations?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in Ames, IA is $58,970. This typically ranges from $39,850 for entry-level positions to $77,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 3.2% lower than the national median of $60,890.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educations?
Moderately lucrative.While the average salary of $58,970 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Ames is also at the national average, maintaining comparable purchasing power. The above-average location quotient suggests a stable job market.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educations?
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 ($52,850) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA teacher salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Middle School Teachers in Ames, IA, is $58,970, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,890.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.32 mean for teachers in Ames?
A Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates that Middle School Teachers are more concentrated in Ames, IA, than the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or slightly higher demand for these professionals in the local job market.
Is the cost of living in Ames, IA a factor for teacher salaries?
The cost of living in Ames, IA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $58,970 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of Middle School Teachers in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 300 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, working 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 300 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 5.32 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA