Environmental Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 150+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$94,830
$45.59/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
-8.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $134K
150 employed in Iowa
Environmental Engineer salary in Iowa averages $94,830 per year, based on data from approximately 150 employed professionals in the state. This figure falls about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries for environmental engineers in Iowa range from $66,780 to $134,050 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Environmental Engineer salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Engineers working in manufacturing or utilities may earn differently than those in consulting or government positions. Geographic location within Iowa, company size, and specialized certifications also play roles in determining compensation levels for environmental professionals in the state.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,780 |
| 25th percentile | $79,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,830 |
| 75th percentile | $111,940 |
| 90th percentile | $134,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Engineers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $131,590 | 230 |
| Utilities | $124,760 | 550 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 440 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,490 | 1K |
| Manufacturing | $115,220 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,510 |
| 2023 | $98,960 |
| 2024 | $95,980 |
| 2025 | $94,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,830 |
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 | $95,510 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $98,960 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $95,980 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $94,830 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,830 | $104,071 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,050 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Environmental Engineer ($94,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | +55.4% | $70.83/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IA | $117,590 | +24.0% | $56.53/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IA | $105,820 | +11.6% | $50.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IA | $97,700 | +3.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IA | $97,690 | +3.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IA | $96,430 | +1.7% | $46.36/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | -13.8% | $39.28/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | -32.2% | $30.90/hr |
| Data Scientist in IA | $95,830 | +1.1% | $46.07/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IA | $95,920 | +1.1% | $46.12/hr |
| Economist in IA | $96,310 | +1.6% | $46.30/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IA | $96,540 | +1.8% | $46.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make in Iowa?
- Environmental engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $94,830 per year, or $46 per hour. This is 8.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers in Iowa?
- Environmental engineer salaries in Iowa range from $66,780 at the lower end to $134,050 at the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
Is an environmental engineering job easy to find in Iowa?
- There are currently 150 environmental engineers employed in Iowa, which represents a relatively small job market for this specialty in the state.
Do environmental engineers earn more in Iowa or nationally?
- Environmental engineers earn less in Iowa compared to the national average, with Iowa salaries running 8.9% lower than the national median for the position.