Physicist Salary in Iowa
Based on 110+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$178,110
$85.63/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+15.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $293K
110 employed in Iowa
Physicist salary in Iowa averages $178,110 annually, positioning the state as an attractive destination for physics professionals. With approximately 110 physicists employed across Iowa, this median salary stands 16% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for scientific expertise in the state's research and industrial sectors.
Physicist salaries in Iowa vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employer type, with compensation ranging from $83,830 to $292,990 annually. Factors including educational credentials, years in the field, and whether physicists work in academia, private industry, or national laboratories substantially influence earning potential in the region. Geographic location within Iowa and proximity to major research institutions also play important roles in salary determination.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,830 |
| 25th percentile | $104,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $178,110 |
| 75th percentile | $218,520 |
| 90th percentile | $292,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $163,890 |
| 2023 | $88,720 |
| 2024 | $120,810 |
| 2025 | $178,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $188,797 |
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 | $163,890 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $88,720 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $120,810 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $178,110 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $188,797 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $178,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $218,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $292,990 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Physicist ($178,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IA | $101,090 | -43.2% | $48.60/hr |
| Psychologist in IA | $91,690 | -48.5% | $44.08/hr |
| Chemist in IA | $86,100 | -51.7% | $41.39/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IA | $83,850 | -52.9% | $40.31/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IA | $79,100 | -55.6% | $38.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IA | $78,780 | -55.8% | $37.88/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -58.2% | $35.80/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +1.9% | $87.27/hr |
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | -17.3% | $70.83/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in IA | $211,190 | +18.6% | $101.53/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IA | $143,780 | -19.3% | $69.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | -22.0% | $66.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Iowa?
- Physicists in Iowa earn a median salary of $178,110 per year, or $86 per hour. This is 15.8% higher than the national average for physicists, making Iowa a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for physicists in Iowa?
- Physicist salaries in Iowa range from a low of $83,830 to a high of $292,990 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
How many physicists are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 110 physicists currently employed in Iowa according to the latest employment data.
Does Iowa pay physicists more than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median physicist salary of $178,110 is 15.8% higher than the national average, making it an above-average paying state for physicists.