Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Salary in Ames, IA

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

Median annual salary $45,780 -1.3% vs national
Median hourly $22.01
10th percentile $38,440
90th percentile $53,560
Employed locally 110
National median $46,390

Compare Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary & buying power

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Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
in
Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,440
    25th
    $41,530
    50th (median)
    $45,780
    75th
    $53,160
    90th
    $53,560

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary vs area income 64% Median Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary is 36% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $81,470
    Flint, MI $76,430
    Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area $65,420
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $63,970
    Wasatch Front Fringe Utah nonmetropolitan area $63,720
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $63,490

    Nearby metros — Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $81,470
    Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area $65,420
    Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area $60,390
    Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area $55,320
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $55,020
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $53,990

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers $36,180
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $53,530
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,180
    Bus Drivers, School $52,020
    Light Truck Drivers $40,090
    Driver/Sales Workers $29,800

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Ames, IA is $22.01, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.22 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salaries?

    The median Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary in Ames, IA is 1.3% below the national median of $46,390. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Ames?

    Entry-level Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (10th percentile) earn around $38,440 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $41,530.