Network and Computer Systems Administrators salary in Ames, IA
Network and Computer Systems Administrators in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $78,030 a year ($37.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $134,250 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $99,130. Pay here is 8% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $84,500. There are 1.7 network and computer systems administrators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $90,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for network and computer systems administrators in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,980 | $28.36 |
| 25th percentile | $70,180 | $33.74 |
| Median | $78,030 | $37.52 |
| 75th percentile | $107,620 | $51.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $134,250 | $64.54 |
| Average (mean) | $90,160 | $43.35 |
Half of network and computer systems administrators 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 | $6,502.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,251.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,001.15 |
| Weekly | $1,500.58 |
| Hourly | $37.52 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $93,480 | 360 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $89,800 | 1,000 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $89,090 | 860 |
| Iowa City, IA | $87,770 | 220 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $83,820 | 300 |
| Dubuque, IA | $83,180 | 110 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $82,260 | 150 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $77,140 | 150 |
Highest-paying states for network and computer systems administrators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $118,290 |
| New Jersey | $116,420 |
| Massachusetts | $110,980 |
| District of Columbia | $110,970 |
| Virginia | $109,610 |
| California | $106,440 |
| Connecticut | $105,880 |
| New York | $105,810 |
| Washington | $103,910 |
| Nevada | $103,440 |
See Network and Computer Systems Administrators 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 Systems Analyst | $96,920 | $46.59 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $92,310 | $44.38 |
| 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 15-1244. 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 network and computer systems administrators make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for network and computer systems administrators in the Ames, IA metro area is $78,030 a year, or $37.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $134,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid network and computer systems administrators make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of network and computer systems administrators in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $134,250 a year. The top 25% earn $107,620 or more.
What is the starting pay for network and computer systems administrators in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,980 a year, and a quarter of network and computer systems administrators earn $70,180 or less.
How many network and computer systems administrators work in Ames, IA?
About 90 network and computer systems administrators are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.