Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$45,700$21.97 per hour · $3,808 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Wage Percentiles in Ames, IA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16.49/hr | $2,858 | $34,300 | $29,088 |
| 25th Percentile | $18.51/hr | $3,208 | $38,500 | $32,304 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $21.97/hr | $3,808 | $45,700 | $37,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $24.86/hr | $4,308 | $51,700 | $42,408 |
| 90th Percentile | $29.57/hr | $5,125 | $61,500 | $49,910 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Ames, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$45,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare administrative assistants salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Pay in Ames, IA
What is the median salary for administrative assistants in Ames, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for administrative assistants in Ames, IA is $45,700, which equates to approximately $3,808 per month or $21.97 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for administrative assistants in Ames, IA?
The median hourly wage for administrative assistants in Ames, IA is $21.97 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $16.49/hour and one in ten earned more than $29.57/hour.
What is the pay range for administrative assistants in Ames, IA?
BLS wage estimates for administrative assistants in Ames, IA span from $34,300 at the 10th percentile to $38,500 at the 25th, $51,700 at the 75th, and $61,500 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do administrative assistants take home after taxes in Ames, IA?
On a median gross salary of $45,700, an estimated $37,815 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,454 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $7,885 (an effective rate of 17.3%).
How much do administrative assistants make per month in Ames, IA?
On the median annual salary of $45,700, gross monthly income is $3,808. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $3,151 per month (or $1,454 every two weeks).
Is $45,700 a good salary in Ames, IA?
At $45,700, the median salary for administrative assistants is 62.5% of the Ames, IA median household income ($73,127). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 88.8, making regional consumer goods and services 11.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.