Agriculture & Environment Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median agricultural scientist salary in Iowa City, IA is $70,452 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$70,452
vs State Avg
+$4,450
vs National
$-3,708
Cost of Living
95%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $70,452, which is $4,450 above the Iowa state average of $66,002. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Iowa City spans from $41,800 at the 10th percentile to $115,900 at the 90th percentile — a $74,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,250. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,200
$-3,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $41,800
25th Percentile $53,200
Median (50th) $70,452
75th Percentile $93,100
90th Percentile $115,900

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Iowa City

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $70,452 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $41,800 (10th percentile) to $115,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,452, a agricultural scientist in Iowa City earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Iowa City's median agricultural scientist salary of $70,452 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $66,002. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $70,452 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Iowa City? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Iowa City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.