How much does a life make in Ames?
$65,020a year
Median yearly pay for lifes in the Ames, IA metro area. That is $31.26 an hour or $5,418 a month.
- Hourly
- $31.26
- Vs. national median
- +4%
- Rank among cities
- 43 of 182
- Jobs in the area
- 50
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $48,180Median: $65,020Highest 10%: $85,240
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $48,180 | $23.16 | |
| 25th | $52,040 | $25.02 | |
| Median | $65,020 | $31.26 | |
| 75th | $80,080 | $38.50 | |
| 90th | $85,240 | $40.98 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for lifes.
| Iowa City, IA | $62,920 |
| Des Moines, IA | $43,960 |
Related jobs in Ames
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Medical Scientist | $93,720 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | $82,970 |
| Biological Scientist | $82,720 |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $65,080 |
| Agricultural Technician | $48,430 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a life make an hour in Ames?
The median hourly pay in the Ames, IA metro area is $31.26 ($65,020 a year).
Do lifes make more in Ames than the national average?
Yes: $65,020 against $62,280 nationally, 4% more.
How does Ames compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $50,480, so Ames pays 29% more.
Where does Ames rank for life pay?
43 of 182 metro areas with data.
How much does a life make starting out in Ames?
The lowest-paid 10% make $48,180 or less a year; the top 10% make $85,240 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.