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Average Production Occupations Salary in Ames, IA

Production Occupations in Ames, IA, command an average annual salary of $51,240, slightly surpassing the national average of $49,710. This localized premium is often driven by specific industry demands and the concentration of manufacturing activities within the region, influencing compensation levels for skilled labor.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,790.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 4,000 individuals in Production Occupations, Ames, IA, demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 1.25 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for production talent within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,240

The average Production Occupations in Ames, IA earns+3.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.6

Weekly

$985

Monthly

$4,270

Production Occupations Salary Distribution in Ames, IA

Career progression within Production Occupations in Ames, IA, typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,600$17.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,430$18.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,210$23.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$64,050$30.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$69,790$33.6

Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,240 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of a production worker's salary in Ames is equivalent to that of a worker in a typical U.S. city, offering stability without a significant financial advantage or disadvantage related to living expenses.

Job Market Context

4,000

Total Jobs

71.029

Per 1K Jobs

1.25

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.25, Ames, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Production Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

A location quotient of 1.25 for Production Occupations in Ames, IA, signifies that this sector is more concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure skilled labor, while also indicating a strong ecosystem of related businesses and opportunities for workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Production Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Production Occupations make in Ames, IA?

The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in Ames, IA is $51,240. This typically ranges from $35,600 for entry-level positions to $69,790 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 3.1% higher than the national median of $49,710.

Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Production Occupations?

Yes, Ames, IA offers a slightly above-average salary for Production Occupations.The average annual salary of $51,240 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Production 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 ($49,540) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the total workforce size impact job availability?

A total local workforce of 4,000 in Production Occupations suggests a substantial pool of talent and a significant presence of these roles within Ames, IA, potentially leading to more diverse job opportunities.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.25 mean for Production Occupations in Ames, IA?

A location quotient of 1.25 indicates that Production Occupations are 25% more concentrated in Ames, IA, than the national average, suggesting a stronger local industry presence and potentially higher demand for these roles.

How does the Cost of Living in Ames, IA compare nationally?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Ames, IA, is exactly at the national average, meaning that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the typical U.S. city.

What is the number of Production Occupations jobs per 1,000 workers in Ames, IA?

There are approximately 71.03 Production Occupations jobs per 1,000 workers in Ames, IA, which provides a metric for understanding the prevalence of these roles within the local labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,000 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 71.029 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.