Economist Salary in Iowa
Based on 70+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$96,310
$46.30/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
-13.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $145K
70 employed in Iowa
The median economist salary in Iowa is $96,310 per year, based on data from 70 employed economists in the state. This represents a competitive position within Iowa's professional workforce, though it falls approximately 13% below the national average for economists. Salaries in this field typically range from $59,980 to $144,750 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and employer types.
Several factors influence economist salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer size. Economists working for government agencies, research institutions, or large corporations often earn differently than those in smaller organizations or academic settings. Geographic location within Iowa, specific expertise areas, and advanced degrees can also create notable salary differences among professionals in this role.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,980 |
| 25th percentile | $64,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,310 |
| 75th percentile | $133,970 |
| 90th percentile | $144,750 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $108,210 |
| 2024 | $92,750 |
| 2025 | $96,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,007 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $108,210 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $92,750 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $96,310 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,007 | $115,568 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $144,750 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Economist ($96,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in IA | $133,320 | +38.4% | $64.10/hr |
| Actuary in IA | $128,690 | +33.6% | $61.87/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IA | $92,370 | -4.1% | $44.41/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in IA | $92,310 | -4.2% | $44.38/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IA | $86,550 | -10.1% | $41.61/hr |
| Loan Officer in IA | $83,670 | -13.1% | $40.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in IA | $80,370 | -16.6% | $38.64/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IA | $79,390 | -17.6% | $38.17/hr |
| Accountant in IA | $77,440 | -19.6% | $37.23/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IA | $76,760 | -20.3% | $36.90/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IA | $75,620 | -21.5% | $36.36/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IA | $64,290 | -33.2% | $30.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for economists in Iowa is $96,310 per year, or $46 per hour. This is approximately 13.5% below the national average for economists.
What is the salary range for economists in Iowa?
- Economist salaries in Iowa range from a low of $59,980 to a high of $144,750 per year, depending on experience and specialization.
How many economists are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 70 economists employed in Iowa, representing a relatively small but established professional workforce in the state.
Is an economist salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa economist salaries are moderately below the national average at a 13.5% difference, with the state median of $96,310 annually being lower than the national median for this profession.