Science & Research Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Iowa

The median biomedical engineer salary in Iowa is $89,650 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $100,730.

Median Salary
$89,650
vs National
$-11,080
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Biomedical Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for biomedical engineer compensation. Biomedical Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $89,650 per year, biomedical engineers in Iowa earn $11,080 less than the national median of $100,730.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $89,650 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $100,730 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: biomedical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $55,180, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $138,840 — a $83,660 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $95,694.

Nationally, biomedical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for biomedical engineers across the country.

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level biomedical engineer earns around $57,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,720 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,780
$-11,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,720
$-16,280 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $55,180
25th Percentile $70,310
Median (50th) $89,650
75th Percentile $112,140
90th Percentile $138,840

Biomedical Engineer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for biomedical engineers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in Iowa

Education

Most biomedical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical DevicesCAD/CAMFDA RegulationsBiomechanicsMATLABClinical Research

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, biomedical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Biomedical Engineer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Biomedical Engineer make in Iowa? ▼
The median biomedical engineer salary in Iowa is $89,650 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $100,730. Salaries range from $55,180 (10th percentile) to $138,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Biomedical Engineer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,650, a biomedical engineer in Iowa earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for biomedical engineers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for biomedical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level biomedical engineers earn $57,850, while senior professionals earn $131,720.
How does Iowa compare to other states for biomedical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for biomedical engineers is Hawaii at $171,241. Iowa's median of $89,650 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($90,657) and Ohio ($90,657).
What is the entry-level biomedical engineer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level biomedical engineer in Iowa earns approximately $57,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $90,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,720.
What city in Iowa pays biomedical engineers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for biomedical engineers, with a median salary of $95,694. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.