Insurance Agent Salary in Ames, IA: $65,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time insurance agent in Ames, IA earns a median $65,682/year (≈ $31.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Once you factor in Ames's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $73,941 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for insurance agents in Ames, Iowa, stands at $65,682, which offers a competitive edge over the national median of $64,522. This figure falls within a broad salary range, from $25,641 at the 10th percentile to $122,569 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse nature of compensation within the insurance sector. Compensation can significantly vary based on the employment structure—captive insurance agents, such as those with State Farm or Allstate, typically have a more stable but capped income compared to those in independent agencies or large commercial brokerages. This structural divide shapes what agents can earn and highlights the opportunities available in the Ames job market, pointing to a robust demand for skilled professionals in this area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,641 | $12.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,122 | $23.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,682 | $31.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,138 | $40.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,569 | $58.93 |
Median Salary Position
1.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
In Ames, IA, the insurance agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,928 (2026 est.). At $65,682, the local median is 1.8% above the national median of $64,522.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ames: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ames Insurance Agent Pay Compares
Ames median: $65,682/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ames Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,268 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $64,522 | +1.80% more |
Insurance Agents in Ames, IA earn a median of $65,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 2.20% above the Iowa state average of $64,268.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ames has a cost of living 11.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ames, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average of 100). A insurance agent earning $65,682 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,941 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.57% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,960
2025 BLS Actual
$63,400
2026 Current Est.
$65,682
2019–2027 Growth
+44.9%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,142 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,047 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ames metropolitan area, the median insurance agent salary grew 35.0% from $46,960 (2019) to $63,400 (2025). At a 3.60% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,047 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,087 (44.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 3.60% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $25,641 – $48,122 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,122 – $65,682 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,682 – $85,138 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,138 – $122,569 |
Agent salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual insurance agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Insurance Agent Job Market in Ames
The local insurance job market in Ames employs around 160 agents, offering a conducive environment for career growth, particularly for those who can navigate the varying pay scales. With a cost-of-living index of 88.83, agents can expect their earnings to stretch further compared to the national average, improving their overall purchasing power. Captive agents from major carriers often see stable, consistent salaries but could miss out on higher earnings available through independent brokerages or large firms specializing in commercial lines, which generally offer exponentially greater commission structures. Factors influencing salary disparities in Ames include the size of the agent's book of business and the balance of commercial versus personal lines. For agents aiming to maximize their pay, focusing on building a robust client base, pursuing certification like CPCU, and considering partnerships with competitive firms are effective strategies for succeeding in this evolving Insurance sector in Ames, IA.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,400 for insurance agentsin the Ames metropolitan area. A 3.60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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 3.60%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for insurance agents (SOC 41-3021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov