Science & Research Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Chemist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median chemist salary in Des Moines, IA is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$76,167
vs State Avg
+$2,484
vs National
$-6,623
Cost of Living
92%

Chemist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level chemist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,040
Median (50th) $76,167
75th Percentile $100,280
90th Percentile $130,640

Chemist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,651
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,855
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$71,199
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$69,544
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Chemist in Des Moines

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open chemist positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Chemist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $130,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,167, a chemist in Des Moines earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for chemist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median chemist salary of $76,167 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $73,683. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $76,167 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Des Moines? ▼
Most chemist positions in Des Moines 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.