Retail Salespersons Salary in Ames, IA

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

Median annual salary $30,330 -12.3% vs national
Median hourly $14.58
10th percentile $23,050
90th percentile $46,700
Employed locally 1,350
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,050
    25th
    $27,920
    50th (median)
    $30,330
    75th
    $36,270
    90th
    $46,700

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 43% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Retail Salespersons

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $44,680
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,040
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,180
    Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $38,770
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,760

    Nearby metros — Retail Salespersons salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $37,800
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $37,500
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,440
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,420
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $37,270
    California $37,250

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cashiers$29,170
    Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$72,730
    First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$46,130
    Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$62,870
    Insurance Sales Agents$60,160
    Parts Salespersons$42,780

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Ames, IA is $14.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.18 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Ames, IA is 12.3% below the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Ames?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $23,050 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,920.