May 2025 · Metropolitan area · BLS OEWS
Salaries in Ames
Ames, IA
246 occupations
Across 246 occupations with published wages in Ames, family medicine physicians record the highest median at $248,000 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in Ames
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1,620 | $29,220 |
| Cashiers | 1,470 | $29,230 |
| Retail Salespersons | 1,460 | $32,460 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 1,110 | $36,240 |
| Registered Nurses | 1,070 | $77,160 |
| General and Operations Managers | 1,040 | $97,700 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 1,030 | $35,300 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 1,010 | $22,710 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 780 | $30,420 |
| Nursing Assistants | 770 | $43,540 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $21,580 | 450 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $22,710 | 1,010 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $23,640 | 40 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,100 | 110 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,850 | 260 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,480 | 140 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $28,760 | 130 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,220 | 1,620 |
| Cashiers | $29,230 | 1,470 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $29,570 | 190 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.