| AVERAGE SALARY BY INDUSTRY | Ames, Iowa | United States |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $15,409 | $24,135 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $0 | $62,204 |
| Construction | $24,916 | $35,300 |
| Manufacturing | $31,950 | $42,158 |
| Wholesale Trade | $41,311 | $41,714 |
| Retail Trade | $10,267 | $21,666 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $34,000 | $40,449 |
| Utilities | $67,279 | $62,996 |
| Information | $21,346 | $48,512 |
| Finance and Insurance | $37,219 | $50,584 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $20,658 | $36,265 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $27,304 | $59,897 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $0 | $61,392 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Services | $15,573 | $23,873 |
| Educational Services | $20,532 | $37,346 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $29,154 | $33,234 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $5,795 | $21,042 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | $7,749 | $14,790 |
| Other Services | $18,510 | $22,627 |
| Public Administration | $42,578 | $51,719 |