Computer Programmers Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $84,930 -13.9% vs national
Median hourly $40.83
10th percentile $53,800
90th percentile $124,860
Employed locally 30
National median $98,670

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Computer Programmers
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,800
    25th
    $70,770
    50th (median)
    $84,930
    75th
    $96,190
    90th
    $124,860

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer Programmers salary vs area income 119% Median Computer Programmers salary is 19% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer Programmers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $167,970
    Boulder, CO $162,530
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $159,250
    Washington $158,820
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $136,880
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $133,560

    Nearby metros — Computer Programmers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $122,580
    Columbia, SC $122,030
    Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area $119,880
    California $116,220
    Virginia $111,860
    Visalia, CA $111,200

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Software Developers$127,040
    Computer User Support Specialists$62,130
    Computer Systems Analysts$92,100
    Computer Network Support Specialists$80,050
    Data Scientists$77,200
    Computer Occupations, All Other$104,010

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer Programmers make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Computer Programmers in Ames, IA is $40.83, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.37 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Computer Programmers salaries?

    The median Computer Programmers salary in Ames, IA is 13.9% below the national median of $98,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer Programmers in Ames?

    Entry-level Computer Programmers (10th percentile) earn around $53,800 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $70,770.