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

Environmental Scientist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median environmental scientist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-766
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $766 below the Iowa state average of $68,112. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Cedar Rapids spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 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)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$72,704
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$70,408
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$65,816
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$64,285
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $68,112. 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 environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Cedar Rapids require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.