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

Chemist Salary in Iowa

The median chemist salary in Iowa is $73,683 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$73,683
vs National
$-9,107
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Chemist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,150 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,500
$-5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,150
$-14,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $42,720
25th Percentile $55,180
Median (50th) $73,683
75th Percentile $97,010
90th Percentile $126,380

Chemist Salary by City in Iowa

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

Des Moines, IA
$76,167
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,855
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$71,199
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$69,544
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$78,651
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Chemist in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Iowa

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Iowa

Browse open chemist positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Chemist make in Iowa? ▼
The median chemist salary in Iowa is $73,683 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,720 (10th percentile) to $126,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,683, a chemist in Iowa earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for chemists? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $44,500, while senior professionals earn $120,150.
How does Iowa compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Iowa's median of $73,683 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($74,511) and Ohio ($74,511).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Iowa earns approximately $44,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $120,150.
What city in Iowa pays chemists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for chemists, with a median salary of $78,651. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.