Environmental Scientist Salary in Iowa
Based on 690+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$78,780
$37.88/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-1.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $117K
690 employed in Iowa
Environmental Scientist salary in Iowa averages $78,780 per year, which is approximately 2% below the national average. This figure represents the median earnings for the 690 environmental scientists currently employed throughout the state. The salary range spans from $54,340 to $117,040 annually, reflecting the variation in compensation based on experience and employment sector.
Several factors influence Environmental Scientist salary in Iowa, including years of professional experience, educational credentials, and the specific industry sector. Environmental scientists working in government agencies, consulting firms, or private industry may see different compensation levels. Geographic location within Iowa, employer size, and specialized certifications or advanced degrees also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,340 |
| 25th percentile | $62,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,780 |
| 75th percentile | $91,070 |
| 90th percentile | $117,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,100 |
| 2023 | $73,810 |
| 2024 | $74,060 |
| 2025 | $78,780 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,507 |
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 | $70,100 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $73,810 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $74,060 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $78,780 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,507 | $84,845 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,780 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $91,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $117,040 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Environmental Scientist ($78,780 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IA | $178,110 | +126.1% | $85.63/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IA | $101,090 | +28.3% | $48.60/hr |
| Psychologist in IA | $91,690 | +16.4% | $44.08/hr |
| Chemist in IA | $86,100 | +9.3% | $41.39/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IA | $83,850 | +6.4% | $40.31/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IA | $79,100 | +0.4% | $38.03/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -5.5% | $35.80/hr |
| Logistician in IA | $78,740 | -0.1% | $37.86/hr |
| Registered Nurse in IA | $78,630 | -0.2% | $37.80/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | -0.3% | $37.75/hr |
| Computer Programmer in IA | $79,180 | +0.5% | $38.07/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IA | $79,390 | +0.8% | $38.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for environmental scientists in Iowa is $78,780 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -1.6%.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Iowa?
- Environmental scientists in Iowa earn between $54,340 and $117,040 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific role. This wide range shows significant earning potential as professionals advance in their careers.
How many environmental scientists work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 690 environmental scientists employed in Iowa, representing the current job market size for this profession in the state.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's median environmental scientist salary of $78,780 is slightly below the national average by 1.6%, making it a moderately competitive market. However, the salary range extends to $117,040 for experienced professionals, offering solid earning potential.