Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $25.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Ames, IA runs $25.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,868 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ames, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for a data analyst in 2026 stands at $25.53, significantly lower than the national median of $38.65. This rate can provide a solid income for part-time roles typical in various tech environments, such as AI startups, consulting firms, and healthcare analytics. For a part-time data analyst working three days a week, this translates to approximately $24,210 annually, which reflects a comfortable living considering Ames' cost of living index of 88.83. The hourly range for data analysts varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $19.69 and top earners reaching up to $43.48. These numbers, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, highlight the earning potential available in Ames compared to national trends, emphasizing the importance of location and employer type in determining hourly pay.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.69 | $157.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.91 |
| Median (P50) | $25.53 | $204.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.86 | $286.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.48 | $347.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $25.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.53/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $53,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,642. With a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,021.40 | $4,426 | $53,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.84 | $2,656 | $31,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.56 | $1,770 | $21,245 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Ames) | $25.53 |
| Data Analyst (National Avg) | $40.39 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Machine Learning Engineer (National Avg) | $66.77 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $50.61 |
Data Analysts in Ames, IA earn a median of $53,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.94% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 7.70% below the Iowa state average of $57,543.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.53/hr = $31,868/year (purchasing power: $35,875).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,113/year (purchasing power: $59,791).
CoL index: 88.83 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$30.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.53/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-11.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Ames (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Ames grew -18.9% from $30.14/hr (2021) to $24.44/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem data analysts can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Data Analyst in Ames
Part-time data analysts often find diverse opportunities that allow for flexible hours and varied pay structures. Working 24 hours a week at a rate of $25.53 gives a part-time employee a stable base, but those willing to engage in per-diem or contract roles can significantly increase their pay. Currently, per-diem data analysts may charge between $100 to $200 per hour for contract work, especially with hi-tech firms or consultancy services, while specialists in machine learning can command rates as high as $600 hourly for niche consulting roles. In Ames, different employer types—from large tech firms to AI startups—offer distinctive packages, often trading off lower hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance. For data analysts pondering their options, it’s wise to negotiate effectively, focusing on benefits rather than strictly hourly rates, especially when considering positions in firms aligned with the growing AI landscape.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for data analysts in Ames in 2026?
How much do part-time data analysts make in Ames?
Are data analysts in Ames paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time data analyst make per year in Ames?
Do data analysts earn more per hour working part-time in Ames?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for data analysts in Ames. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov