Data Scientist salary in Ames, IA
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings in the Ames, IA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Story City.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Scientist
Median salary$76,097
Middle 50%$65k–$87.9k
vs. national median−38%comparison median $123,531
Filings10FY2025–FY2026 · latest two fiscal years
Salary range
National median
$40k$50k$60k$70k$80k$90k$100k$110k$120k$130k$140k
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $59,056 |
| 25th | $65,000 |
| 50th (median) | $76,097 |
| 75th | $87,855 |
| 90th | $111,931 |
Cost of living
Ames's median Data Scientist salary of $76,097 is worth about $85,700 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Ames = 88.8).
Compared with all workers here
All Data Scientists in the Ames, IA area earned a median of $79,430 in May 2025 (100 employed). The H-1B median here is $76,097, 4% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Top employers filing
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | – | 0 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.