Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Ames, IA
The median pay for a miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators in Ames, IA is $47,250/year ($22.72/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $61K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 88.83), which stretches that salary to about $53,191 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,153/month — about 35.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $47K get you in Ames?
About miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Ames, IA
Entry-level miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $61K or more - a $25K spread from bottom to top.
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $48K | +13% | 5,130 |
| Nevada | $48K | +13% | 10,740 |
| Alaska | $47K | +12% | 180 |
| District of Columbia | $47K | +12% | 80 |
| Washington | $47K | +10% | 16,760 |
| Iowa | $46K | +9% | 20,500 |
| California | $46K | +9% | 107,090 |
| Oregon | $46K | +8% | 12,260 |
| Minnesota | $46K | +8% | 46,920 |
| Nebraska | $45K | +8% | 7,460 |
| Arizona | $45K | +7% | 21,460 |
| Wisconsin | $45K | +7% | 47,880 |
| Ohio | $45K | +6% | 93,090 |
| Hawaii | $45K | +6% | 310 |
| Kentucky | $45K | +6% | 49,390 |
Track miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Ames numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators make in Ames, IA?
The median is $47,250 a year - that works out to about $22.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,200, and experienced miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators can clear $61,280. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in Ames?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,145/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,153/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 36.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators salary go in Ames?
Ames has a Regional Price Parity of 88.83 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators salary is worth about $53,191 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.