Chemist Salary in Iowa
Based on 570+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$86,100
$41.39/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $138K
570 employed in Iowa
The median chemist salary in Iowa is $86,100 per year, which is approximately 6% below the national average. Currently, around 570 chemists work throughout the state, contributing to Iowa's scientific and industrial sectors. While this salary is modest compared to national figures, it reflects the state's cost of living and regional employment market.
Chemist salary in Iowa varies based on several factors, including experience level, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Employment setting plays a significant role, as chemists working in pharmaceutical manufacturing, petrochemicals, or research institutions may earn substantially more than those in smaller operations. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and specific job responsibilities also influence compensation, with salaries ranging from $65,270 to $137,560 annually.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,270 |
| 25th percentile | $68,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,100 |
| 75th percentile | $106,810 |
| 90th percentile | $137,560 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $123,380 | 610 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | 190 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | 10K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | 160 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,830 |
| 2023 | $75,540 |
| 2024 | $81,830 |
| 2025 | $86,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $90,593 |
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 | $76,830 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $75,540 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $81,830 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $86,100 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $90,593 | $96,811 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $68,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $137,560 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Chemist ($86,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IA | $178,110 | +106.9% | $85.63/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IA | $101,090 | +17.4% | $48.60/hr |
| Psychologist in IA | $91,690 | +6.5% | $44.08/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IA | $83,850 | -2.6% | $40.31/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IA | $79,100 | -8.1% | $38.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IA | $78,780 | -8.5% | $37.88/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -13.5% | $35.80/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IA | $86,550 | +0.5% | $41.61/hr |
| Management Analyst in IA | $85,530 | -0.7% | $41.12/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IA | $87,690 | +1.8% | $42.16/hr |
| Network Administrator in IA | $84,500 | -1.9% | $40.63/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in IA | $84,010 | -2.4% | $40.39/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for chemists in Iowa is $86,100 per year, or $41 per hour. This is approximately 6.4% below the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Iowa?
- Chemist salaries in Iowa range from $65,270 at the lower end to $137,560 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many chemists are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 570 chemists currently employed in Iowa, representing the total employed in this profession across the state.
Is the chemist salary in Iowa higher or lower than the national average?
- The chemist salary in Iowa is 6.4% lower than the national average, with Iowa's median of $86,100 compared to the higher national median salary.