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

Environmental Scientist Salary in Iowa

The median environmental scientist salary in Iowa is $68,112 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $76,530.

Median Salary
$68,112
vs National
$-8,418
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,800 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)
$69,420
$-8,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,800
$-13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $42,720
25th Percentile $52,510
Median (50th) $68,112
75th Percentile $88,110
90th Percentile $112,140

Environmental Scientist Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for environmental scientists 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
$70,408
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$67,346
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$65,816
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$64,285
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$72,704
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Iowa

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Iowa? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Iowa is $68,112 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,720 (10th percentile) to $112,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,112, a environmental scientist in Iowa earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for environmental scientists? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for environmental scientist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level environmental scientists earn $44,500, while senior professionals earn $106,800.
How does Iowa compare to other states for environmental scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental scientists is Hawaii at $130,101. Iowa's median of $68,112 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($68,877) and Ohio ($68,877).
What is the entry-level environmental scientist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist in Iowa earns approximately $44,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,800.
What city in Iowa pays environmental scientists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $72,704. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.