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	National	Difference
10th Percentile	$42,720	$48,000	$-5,280
25th Percentile	$55,180	$62,000	$-6,820
Median (50th)	$73,683	$82,790	$-9,107
75th Percentile	$97,010	$109,000	$-11,990
90th Percentile	$126,380	$142,000	$-15,620

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.