Average Project Management Specialists Salary in Ames, IA
Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA earn an average annual salary of $88,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $108,900, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand dynamics specific to the Ames metropolitan area. Local market conditions and industry concentration play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,850.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 300 Project Management Specialists, Ames, IA presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA earns-18.9%below the national average.
$42.4
$1,698
$7,357
Project Management Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Project Management Specialists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing project complexity, the demand for skilled management, and inflationary pressures, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Project Management Specialists Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $50,050 | $24.1 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $66,210 | $31.8 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $83,870 | $40.3 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $110,350 | $53.1 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $132,850 | $63.9 |
Detailed Project Management Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $88,280 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Project Management Specialist's salary in Ames is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
5.35
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.82x the national average concentration of Project Management Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.82 for Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA, indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of these specialists might be more readily available relative to other regions, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers compared to areas with higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Project Management Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $94,110↑ 7% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $151,220↑ 71% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $95,230↑ 8% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $86,340↓ 2% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Project Management Specialists Salary | $98,120↑ 11% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Project Management Specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA is $88,280. This typically ranges from $50,050 for entry-level positions to $132,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 18.9% lower than the national median of $108,900.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Project Management Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $88,280 is solid and the cost of living is average, it falls below the national average salary for Project Management Specialists. This indicates that Ames, IA, offers standard compensation rather than premium pay for the role.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Project Management Specialists?
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 ($94,110) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA, is $88,280, which is approximately 19% lower than the national average of $108,900.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Ames, IA?
An LQ of 0.82 means that Project Management Specialists are slightly less concentrated in Ames, IA, than the national average. This suggests a stable but not overly dense job market for this profession in the region.
How does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Ames, IA, matches the national average. Therefore, the $88,280 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair reflection of living costs.
What is the total number of Project Management Specialists in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 300 Project Management Specialists employed within the Ames, IA area, representing a specific segment of the local professional workforce.
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 5.35 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Project Management Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA