What is the highest paying job at Iowa State University?

Based on our latest data, the highest paying role at Iowa State University is Assistant Coach- Cyclone Men's Hockey, earning approximately $135,534 annually.

What are the most popular jobs at Iowa State University?

Top roles include Assistant Coach- Cyclone Men's Hockey, Adventure Program Coordinator, and Accountant IV, with salaries ranging from $111,690 to $166,022, from $108,364 to $130,076 and from $102,411 to $128,126.

What industry is Iowa State University in?

Iowa State University operates in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry.

Iowa State University Average Salary and Pay Ranges

Iowa State University Salary

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Salary at Iowa State University

How Much Does Iowa State University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Iowa State University. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Assistant Coach- Cyclone Men's Hockey, with an annual salary of $135,534. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Academic Adviser II - Genetics, Development and Cell Biology

$48,224 / year

Salary Range: $43,143 - $55,179

Activities

Academic Resources Coordinator

$66,699 / year

Salary Range: $59,098 - $75,205

Purchasing

Accountant I

$64,576 / year

Salary Range: $58,925 - $70,819

Finance and Accounting

Accountant II - FBAC

$75,379 / year

Salary Range: $68,401 - $83,239

Finance and Accounting

Accountant II - Payroll

$84,890 / year

Salary Range: $76,579 - $94,062

Finance and Accounting

Accountant III

$93,279 / year

Salary Range: $84,546 - $102,987

Finance and Accounting

Accountant III/IV - SPA

$84,890 / year

Salary Range: $76,579 - $94,062

Finance and Accounting

Accountant IV

$114,716 / year

Salary Range: $102,411 - $128,126

Finance and Accounting

Administrative Assistant III - Ames Laboratory

$65,966 / year

Salary Range: $59,026 - $73,649

Administrative Assistant III

Administrative Specialist III

$65,966 / year

Salary Range: $59,026 - $73,649

Administrative Assistant III

Admissions Counselor

$48,666 / year

Salary Range: $41,052 - $60,383

Fitness and Wellness

Adventure Program Coordinator

$119,868 / year

Salary Range: $108,364 - $130,076

Pipeline Scheduling

Ames Laboratory Director for the Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE)

$80,246 / year

Salary Range: $74,271 - $86,917

Mechanical Engineering

Animal Caretaker I

$36,690 / year

Salary Range: $34,426 - $40,861

Housekeeping

Assistant Coach- Cyclone Men's Hockey

$135,534 / year

Salary Range: $111,690 - $166,022

Sales

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Iowa State University.

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Job Title	Location	Release Date

About Iowa State University: Company Profile

Website

www.iastate.edu

Founded In

1858

Employees

7,500 - 15,000 employees

Industry

Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit

Headquarter Location

AMES

Revenue

$500 Million - $1B

Phone Number

About IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Iowa State University is the nation's most student-centered public research university. 100 majors. 800 clubs. 1 amazing adventure.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Iowa State University's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.

While the pace is steady, it allows time to focus on quality work. Passionate, organized team with excellent communication and service delivery. Advancement opportunities exist but aren't always transparent. A capable team that may benefit from more cross-department collaboration.

Commented in May 11, 2025

Employees receive continuous learning opportunities and recognition for their efforts. Leadership promotes collaboration, innovation, and professional growth through training and mentorship. It’s a highly stable job with a clear mission. Meaningful projects and public service focus inspire employees to contribute their best every day. Working here means being part of a team dedicated to making a r...

Commented in November 21, 2024

Overall a stable and supportive environment. The retirement plan is one of the best in education. Knowing that your position is stable and that you have excellent healthcare and retirement plans provides immense peace of mind.

Commented in February 04, 2024

How Iowa State University's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Iowa State University’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

I B I G FORESTRY ACTION COMMITTEE

Avg. Salary: $71,836

I AM: INTERNATIONAL

Avg. Salary: $82,281

I-5 SOCIAL SERVICES CORP

Avg. Salary: $78,809

I-BALL

Avg. Salary: $83,336

I B E W LOCAL 1 APPRENTICE & TRAINING FUND

Avg. Salary: $72,366

I AM BEAUTIFUL WOMEN'S FOUNDATION

Avg. Salary: $79,094

I AM PROOF

Avg. Salary: $70,319

"I AM SUPERWOMAN" ROSEBURG WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Avg. Salary: $73,627

I AM HERE FOUNDATION INC

Avg. Salary: $75,636

I AM REMNANT

Avg. Salary: $72,088

I A OSHAUGHNESSY FOUNDATION

Avg. Salary: $83,230

I AM I CAN LEARNING CENTER

Avg. Salary: $75,691

Is Iowa State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Iowa State University's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.

Competitor / Benchmark	Avg. Salary	Variance	Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
I B I G FORESTRY ACTION COMMITTEE	$71,836	-11.3%	I B I G FORESTRY ACTION COMMITTEE may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
I AM: INTERNATIONAL	$82,282	+1.6%	Suggests I AM: INTERNATIONAL utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
I-5 SOCIAL SERVICES CORP	$78,809	-2.6%	Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
I-BALL	$83,336	+2.9%	Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry	$115,341	+42.5%	Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.

Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Ames?

Understanding the cost of living near Ames is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Iowa State University.

Ames' Cost of Living Index is approximately 91.8 (8.2% less expensive than US average; 2.1% more than IA average). Home to Iowa State University, housing higher due to university. CyRide (free with ISU ID). When planning your budget based on a salary from Iowa State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent)	$900 - $1,400+	A significant portion of Iowa State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic)	$130 - $220	Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation	$35 (CyRide monthly pass)	Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person)	$380 - $560	Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure	$330 - $630+	Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual)	$350 - $650+	Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes)	$2,125 - $3,465+	This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Iowa State University

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Iowa State University?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Iowa State University is approximately from $71,022 to $92,469. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

FAQ 2: How much does Iowa State University pay compared to I B I G FORESTRY ACTION COMMITTEE?

The average annual salary at Iowa State University is $80,952, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to I B I G FORESTRY ACTION COMMITTEE which pays $71,836 per year or $35 per hour.

FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Iowa State University?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Iowa State University, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Iowa State University in Ames is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Iowa State University in Ames is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Iowa State University and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Ames" to understand its purchasing power.

FAQ 5: Are the salaries listed for Iowa State University on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Iowa State University, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.