In Ames, IA, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, earn an average annual salary of $61,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,380, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Ames job market. The specific pay scales in Ames are influenced by the local economy, school district budgets, and the overall supply and demand for educators in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,900.
- Outlook: Ames, IA supports a local workforce of 350 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 6.137 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for educators in the area, positioning the market as moderately robust.
Salary Overview
The average Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in Ames, IA earns-5.0%below the national average.
$29.4
$1,176
$5,098
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Secondary School Teachers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation adjustments, increased demand for specialized skills, and collective bargaining agreements that aim to keep educator compensation competitive within the evolving educational landscape.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
Salary progression for Secondary School Teachers in Ames, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned educators with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies a clear career progression path and rewards for accumulated expertise and dedication.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $44,720 | $21.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $45,878 | $22.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,340 | $29 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $76,463 | $36.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $77,900 | $37.5 |
Detailed Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $61,170 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an educator's salary in Ames is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added financial pressure of a high cost of living or the benefit of a significantly lower one.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
6.137
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.88x the national average concentration of Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for Secondary School Teachers in Ames, IA, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not exceptionally competitive, offering a balanced environment for job seekers. It implies that educators looking to establish themselves in Ames may find opportunities without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educations?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education in Ames, IA is $61,170. This typically ranges from $44,720 for entry-level positions to $77,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 5.0% lower than the national median of $64,380.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educations?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $61,170 is stable, it falls slightly below the national average of $64,380. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Secondary 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 ($53,830) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA teacher salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Secondary School Teachers in Ames, IA is $61,170, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,380.
What is the concentration of Secondary School Teachers in Ames, IA compared to the rest of the US?
Ames, IA has a Location Quotient of 0.88 for this profession, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these teachers compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the teacher salary?
The cost of living in Ames, IA is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $61,170 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Secondary School Teachers in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 350 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, in the Ames, IA local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 6.137 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA