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Average Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Ames, IA

In Ames, Iowa, professionals in Office and Administrative Support Occupations earn an average annual salary of $46,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $49,530, a common occurrence in markets where the cost of labor may be influenced by local economic factors and industry concentration. The specific economic landscape and demand within Ames shape this compensation structure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,330.
  • Outlook: Ames, IA supports a substantial workforce of 5,310 individuals in Office and Administrative Support roles. The Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that these occupations are slightly less concentrated in Ames compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other job sectors within the city. The presence of nearly 95 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores the consistent need for these essential administrative functions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,340

The average Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Ames, IA earns-6.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.3

Weekly

$891

Monthly

$3,862

Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary Distribution in Ames, IA

Career progression within Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Ames, IA, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career ladder available, rewarding dedication and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$30,330$14.6
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$34,755$16.7
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$44,300$21.3
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$57,925$27.8
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$64,330$30.9

Detailed Office and Administrative Support Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $46,340 in Ames, IA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Ames-based administrative professional is comparable to that of their national counterpart, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

5,310

Total Jobs

94.279

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ames, IA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Office and Administrative Support Occupations 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 0.8, Office and Administrative Support Occupations are present in Ames, IA, but not to a degree that significantly exceeds national concentrations. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers seek qualified candidates, but the field is not oversaturated. Professionals may find a steady stream of opportunities without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of similar workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Office and Administrative Support Occupations make in Ames, IA?

The median annual salary for a Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Ames, IA is $46,340. This typically ranges from $30,330 for entry-level positions to $64,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 6.4% lower than the national median of $49,530.

Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Office and Administrative Support Occupationss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $46,340 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while Ames offers financial stability, it doesn't provide a significant salary premium for these roles.

Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Office and Administrative Support 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 ($44,990) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Ames, IA is $46,340, which is slightly lower than the national average of $49,530.

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, meaning everyday expenses are comparable to the rest of the United States.

How concentrated are Office and Administrative Support jobs in Ames, IA?

The concentration of these jobs in Ames, IA, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.8, meaning they are slightly less prevalent than the national average.

What is the total workforce size for Office and Administrative Support in Ames, IA?

There are 5,310 individuals employed in Office and Administrative Support Occupations 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 5,310 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 94.279 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.