Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Ames, IA
Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA, earn an average annual salary of $65,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, reflecting localized economic factors and market demand specific to the Ames area. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,010.
- Outlook: Ames, IA, hosts a concentrated workforce of Public Relations Specialists, with a total of 260 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.55 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for PR expertise within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA earns-18.2%below the national average.
$31.7
$1,269
$5,499
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Public Relations Specialists nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by the increasing importance of digital communication and brand management. This trend likely extends to Ames, albeit potentially at a different growth rate influenced by local economic conditions.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected salary range widens considerably with experience, with senior specialists commanding higher compensation reflective of their strategic contributions and established networks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,940 | $23 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,493 | $23.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $59,490 | $28.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,488 | $39.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,010 | $46.6 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,990 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Public Relations Specialist's salary in Ames is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
4.638
Per 1K Jobs
2.55
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 2.5x the national concentration of Public Relations Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.55, Ames, IA, demonstrates a strong concentration of Public Relations Specialists relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in Ames is more specialized in this field than the average U.S. city, potentially offering more opportunities for those with PR skills but also indicating a competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $52,830↓ 20% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $45,820↓ 31% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $54,400↓ 18% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $49,820↓ 25% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $72,230↑ 9% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA is $65,990. This typically ranges from $47,940 for entry-level positions to $97,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 18.2% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the average salary of $65,990 is below the national average, the cost of living in Ames is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained. The high concentration of PR professionals suggests a specialized market.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Public Relations 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 ($52,830) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames PR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA, earn an average of $65,990 annually, which is lower than the national average of $80,660.
What is the concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA, has a high concentration of Public Relations Specialists, with a Location Quotient of 2.55, meaning there are 2.55 times more PR specialists per worker than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Ames affect the PR Specialist salary?
The cost of living in Ames is exactly at the national average (index of 100), so the nominal salary of $65,990 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Public Relations Specialists in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 260 Public Relations Specialists 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 260 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 4.638 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Public Relations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA