Computer Systems Analyst salary in Ames, IA
Computer Systems Analysts in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $96,920 a year ($46.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 220 workers.
Pay ranges from $69,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,030 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $105,850. Pay here is 1% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $95,920. There are 3.9 computer systems analysts per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $96,610, close to the median.
Pay range for computer systems analysts in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $69,360 | $33.35 |
| 25th percentile | $80,890 | $38.89 |
| Median | $96,920 | $46.59 |
| 75th percentile | $104,180 | $50.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $120,030 | $57.71 |
| Average (mean) | $96,610 | $46.45 |
Half of computer systems analysts 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 | $8,076.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,038.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,727.69 |
| Weekly | $1,863.85 |
| Hourly | $46.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Systems Analyst salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $102,070 | 2,680 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $96,310 | 1,220 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $89,500 | 310 |
| Dubuque, IA | $85,310 | 100 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $82,250 | 120 |
| Iowa City, IA | $82,040 | 180 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $81,510 | 440 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $80,140 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for computer systems analysts
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $134,630 |
| Washington | $129,410 |
| Massachusetts | $128,240 |
| Colorado | $127,750 |
| California | $127,720 |
| New Jersey | $122,890 |
| Oregon | $121,620 |
| Virginia | $120,840 |
| District of Columbia | $116,820 |
| Maryland | $113,610 |
See Computer Systems Analyst pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $129,440 | $62.23 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $63,830 | $30.69 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $92,310 | $44.38 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $78,030 | $37.52 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $96,560 | $46.42 |
| Computer Network Architect | $102,630 | $49.34 |
| Computer Programmer | $77,720 | $37.36 |
| Information Security Analyst | $107,520 | $51.69 |
| Data Scientist | $79,430 | $38.19 |
More: Computer and Mathematical Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 15-1211. 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 computer systems analyst make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for computer systems analysts in the Ames, IA metro area is $96,920 a year, or $46.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $69,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,030 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer systems analysts make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of computer systems analysts in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $120,030 a year. The top 25% earn $104,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer systems analysts in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $69,360 a year, and a quarter of computer systems analysts earn $80,890 or less.
How many computer systems analysts work in Ames, IA?
About 220 computer systems analysts are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.