Materials Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 200+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$64,270
$30.90/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
-41.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $115K
200 employed in Iowa
The median Materials Engineer salary in Iowa is $64,270 per year, reflecting a modest compensation level for professionals in this technical field. With approximately 200 materials engineers employed throughout the state, Iowa's market for these specialists remains relatively compact compared to other regions.
Materials Engineer salaries in Iowa vary significantly based on experience, employer type, and specialization within the field. Educational background, industry sector, and geographic location within the state all influence earning potential, with salaries ranging from $62,390 to $115,140 annually. Iowa's median falls notably 41 percent below the national average, a gap that reflects regional differences in cost of living and industrial demand for materials engineering expertise.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,390 |
| 25th percentile | $62,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,270 |
| 75th percentile | $98,730 |
| 90th percentile | $115,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $90,150 |
| 2023 | $92,240 |
| 2024 | $76,640 |
| 2025 | $64,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,270 |
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 | $90,150 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $92,240 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $76,640 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $64,270 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,270 | $108,868 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,140 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Materials Engineer ($64,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | +129.2% | $70.83/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IA | $117,590 | +83.0% | $56.53/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IA | $105,820 | +64.6% | $50.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IA | $97,700 | +52.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IA | $97,690 | +52.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IA | $96,430 | +50.0% | $46.36/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IA | $94,830 | +47.5% | $45.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | +27.1% | $39.28/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in IA | $64,260 | -0.0% | $30.89/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IA | $64,290 | +0.0% | $30.91/hr |
| Web Developer in IA | $64,210 | -0.1% | $30.87/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in IA | $64,600 | +0.5% | $31.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Iowa?
- Materials engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $64,270 per year, or $31 per hour. This is approximately 41% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Iowa?
- Materials engineers in Iowa can expect salaries ranging from $62,390 to $115,140 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is being a materials engineer in Iowa below the national average?
- Yes, the median materials engineer salary in Iowa at $64,270 is significantly below the national average, representing a 41% difference.
How many materials engineers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 200 materials engineers currently employed in Iowa according to the latest employment data.