Science & Research Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Chemist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median chemist salary in Sioux City, IA is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$69,544
vs State Avg
$-4,139
vs National
$-13,246
Cost of Living
84%

Chemist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median chemist salary of $69,544, which is $4,139 below the Iowa state average of $73,683. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $69,544 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Sioux City spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $119,280 at the 90th percentile — a $78,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,400. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level chemist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-13,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,400
$-21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $69,544
75th Percentile $91,560
90th Percentile $119,280

Chemist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,651
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$76,167
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,855
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$71,199
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Chemist in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open chemist positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Chemist make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $69,544 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $119,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,544, a chemist in Sioux City earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for chemist pay? ▼
Sioux City's median chemist salary of $69,544 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $73,683. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $69,544 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Sioux City? ▼
Most chemist positions in Sioux City 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.