Medical Scientist Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$83,850
$40.31/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
-9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $142K
1K employed in Iowa
Medical Scientist salary in Iowa averages $83,850 per year, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 1,060 medical scientists working throughout the state. However, Iowa's median salary falls about 9% below the national average, suggesting regional differences in compensation levels within this specialized field.
Several factors influence medical scientist salaries in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specific research focus. Medical scientists working in pharmaceutical companies or major research institutions may earn substantially more than those in smaller facilities or academic settings. Geographic location within Iowa and the demand for particular specializations also play important roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,580 |
| 25th percentile | $67,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,850 |
| 75th percentile | $104,020 |
| 90th percentile | $142,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Medical Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Medical Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Medical Scientists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $160,000 | 6K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $132,720 | 3K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $132,620 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,340 | 63K |
| Manufacturing | $118,960 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,350 |
| 2023 | $82,530 |
| 2024 | $85,010 |
| 2025 | $83,850 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,850 |
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 | $79,350 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $82,530 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $85,010 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $83,850 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,850 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,850 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $142,140 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Medical Scientist ($83,850 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IA | $178,110 | +112.4% | $85.63/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IA | $101,090 | +20.6% | $48.60/hr |
| Psychologist in IA | $91,690 | +9.4% | $44.08/hr |
| Chemist in IA | $86,100 | +2.7% | $41.39/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IA | $79,100 | -5.7% | $38.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IA | $78,780 | -6.0% | $37.88/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -11.2% | $35.80/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in IA | $84,010 | +0.2% | $40.39/hr |
| Loan Officer in IA | $83,670 | -0.2% | $40.23/hr |
| Network Administrator in IA | $84,500 | +0.8% | $40.63/hr |
| Management Analyst in IA | $85,530 | +2.0% | $41.12/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | -2.6% | $39.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Iowa?
- Medical scientists in Iowa earn a median salary of $83,850 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is about 9.1% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Iowa?
- Medical scientist salaries in Iowa range from $59,580 at the lower end to $142,140 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many medical scientists work in Iowa?
- Iowa currently employs 1,060 medical scientists across the state in various research and laboratory positions.
Is Iowa's medical scientist salary lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median medical scientist salary of $83,850 is 9.1% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.