Science & Research Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Chemist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median chemist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-828
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $828 below the Iowa state average of $73,683. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Cedar Rapids spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,651
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$76,167
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$71,199
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$69,544
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Chemist in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open chemist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Chemist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for chemist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $73,683. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most chemist positions in Cedar Rapids require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.