Salary & Cost of Living in Ames, IA
Ames, IA: $35,784 median salary, cost of living index 92.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$35,784
$17/hr
Cost of Living
92.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.3%
rate
Ames, IA Overview
Population
66,427
Median Salary
$35,784
Average Salary
$40,078
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Rent
$1,013/mo
Job Growth
+1.9%
Sales Tax
6%
Ames is located in Iowa with a population of 66,427. The median household salary is $35,784 per year ($17/hour), which is $23,600 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.9%.
Ames Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Ames, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$28,751
$2,395.94/month · $1,105.82/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.7%
Gross Pay
$35,784
Federal Tax
-$2,256
State Tax
-$2,040
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$2,737
Net Pay
$28,751
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $2,982.00 | $35,784.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$187.97 | -$2,255.58 |
| Iowa State Tax (5.7%) | -$169.97 | -$2,039.69 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$184.88 | -$2,218.61 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$43.24 | -$518.87 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,395.94 | $28,751.26 |
Salary Comparison: Ames vs Other Cities
See how Ames's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $35,784 | 92.5 | $38,685 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Kenner, LA | $35,784 | 92.5 | $38,685 |
| Conway, AR | $35,785 | 84.5 | $42,349 |
| Waterloo, IA | $35,785 | 82.5 | $43,376 |
| Lafayette, IN | $35,789 | 84.8 | $42,204 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Ames
Ames's cost of living index is 92.5 (national average = 100). Living in Ames is 7.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,013
Annual Rent Cost
$12,156
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $28,751 annual take-home pay in Ames has the purchasing power of approximately $31,082 in an average-cost US area. Your $35,784 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Ames
Ames's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $35,784.
Salary Tips for Ames Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Ames's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $35,784 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Ames, IA?
The median salary in Ames, IA is $35,784 per year, or $17 per hour. The average salary is $40,078. This is $23,600 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Ames, IA?
Ames's cost of living index is 92.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 7.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $245,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,013.
What are the best industries in Ames?
The top industries in Ames, IA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. The city has a job growth rate of 1.9% and an unemployment rate of 2.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $35,784.
How does Ames's salary compare to other cities?
Ames's median salary of $35,784 is 39.7% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 92.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $38,685.
What is the minimum wage in Ames, IA?
The minimum wage in Ames, IA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.