Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists salary in Ames, IA
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $61,100 a year ($29.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,140 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $78,760. Pay here is 8% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $66,390. There are 6.7 market research analysts and marketing specialists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $67,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,370 | $19.41 |
| 25th percentile | $48,650 | $23.39 |
| Median | $61,100 | $29.37 |
| 75th percentile | $77,630 | $37.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,140 | $49.11 |
| Average (mean) | $67,170 | $32.30 |
Half of market research analysts and marketing specialists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,091.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,545.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,350 |
| Weekly | $1,175 |
| Hourly | $29.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,100 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $76,580 | 3,440 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $71,590 | 1,080 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $64,000 | 370 |
| Iowa City, IA | $63,790 | 460 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,630 | 960 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $62,280 | 2,160 |
| Dubuque, IA | $61,660 | 330 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $56,230 | 220 |
Highest-paying states for market research analysts and marketing specialists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $101,810 |
| Delaware | $101,270 |
| New York | $98,580 |
| District of Columbia | $98,090 |
| Washington | $95,120 |
| California | $94,700 |
| Colorado | $93,050 |
| New Jersey | $88,190 |
| Minnesota | $87,510 |
| Rhode Island | $86,240 |
See Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $76,510 | $36.78 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $70,060 | $33.68 |
| Project Management Specialist | $97,290 | $46.77 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $68,880 | $33.12 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $67,860 | $32.62 |
| Compliance Officer | $80,370 | $38.64 |
| Management Analyst | $88,510 | $42.56 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Fundraiser | $80,430 | $38.67 |
| Logistician | $75,620 | $36.36 |
| Cost Estimator | $76,920 | $36.98 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $79,320 | $38.14 |
| Budget Analyst | $84,030 | $40.40 |
| Loan Officer | $84,470 | $40.61 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 13-1161. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a market research analysts and marketing specialists make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for market research analysts and marketing specialists in the Ames, IA metro area is $61,100 a year, or $29.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid market research analysts and marketing specialists make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of market research analysts and marketing specialists in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $102,140 a year. The top 25% earn $77,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,370 a year, and a quarter of market research analysts and marketing specialists earn $48,650 or less.
How many market research analysts and marketing specialists work in Ames, IA?
About 380 market research analysts and marketing specialists are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.