Skip to content
AffordMap
Metro area profile

Top Paying Jobs in Ames, IA

Ames, IA has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 14,950 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Family Medicine Physicians ($248,000), Chief Executives ($206,090), Dentists, General ($163,950). The cost of living index is 88.83 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,153/month.

$92K
Avg. median salary
88.83
Cost of living index
$1,153
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population

Highest paying careers in Ames

RankOccupationCategoryMedian salaryHourly
21Transportation, Storage, and Distribution ManagersManagement$105K$50.45/hr
22Electrical EngineersEngineering$104K$49.88/hr
23Medical and Health Services ManagersManagement$104K$49.87/hr
24Administrative Services ManagersManagement$103K$49.73/hr
25First-Line Supervisors of Police and DetectivesPublic Safety$103K$49.49/hr
26Computer Network ArchitectsTechnology$103K$49.34/hr
27Civil EngineersEngineering$100K$48.17/hr
28Electrical Power-Line Installers and RepairersRepair & Maintenance$100K$48.16/hr
29Mechanical EngineersEngineering$99K$47.41/hr
30General and Operations ManagersManagement$98K$46.97/hr

Affordability snapshot: Ames

Cost of living vs. national average-11.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,153/mo

Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:

Compare Ames to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Compare →
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in Ames
Calculate →
Calculate take-home pay in Ames
After federal and state taxes
Calculate →
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Ames?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
Check →
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Ames?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data
Calculate →