Chemical Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 40+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$117,590
$56.53/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+1.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $134K
40 employed in Iowa
Chemical engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $117,590 per year, which is 2% above the national average. Based on current employment data, approximately 40 chemical engineers work in the state. This competitive compensation reflects Iowa's significant role in industrial manufacturing and processing sectors, making it an attractive location for professionals in this field.
Several factors influence chemical engineer salary in Iowa, including experience level, employer size, and specific industry focus. Engineers working in larger manufacturing facilities or specialized chemical processing plants typically command higher salaries than those in smaller operations. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and years of experience also play important roles in determining individual compensation within the state's job market.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,610 |
| 25th percentile | $92,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $117,590 |
| 75th percentile | $124,120 |
| 90th percentile | $134,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,450 |
| 2023 | $105,890 |
| 2024 | $101,080 |
| 2025 | $117,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,645 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,450 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $105,890 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $101,080 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $117,590 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,645 | $122,571 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $92,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $117,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $124,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,030 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Chemical Engineer ($117,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | +25.3% | $70.83/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IA | $105,820 | -10.0% | $50.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IA | $97,700 | -16.9% | $46.97/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IA | $97,690 | -16.9% | $46.97/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IA | $96,430 | -18.0% | $46.36/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IA | $94,830 | -19.4% | $45.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | -30.5% | $39.28/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | -45.3% | $30.90/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IA | $116,920 | -0.6% | $56.21/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IA | $119,710 | +1.8% | $57.55/hr |
| Software Developer in IA | $114,890 | -2.3% | $55.24/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IA | $120,730 | +2.7% | $58.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Iowa?
- Chemical engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $117,590 per year, or approximately $57 per hour. This is 1.7% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Iowa?
- Chemical engineers in Iowa can expect salaries ranging from $78,610 at the lower end to $134,030 at the higher end, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is being a chemical engineer in Iowa better paid than the national average?
- Yes, chemical engineers in Iowa earn 1.7% more than the national average, with a median salary of $117,590 compared to the typical national rate for this profession.
How many chemical engineers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 40 chemical engineers currently employed in Iowa, representing a smaller job market compared to more industrialized states.