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

Environmental Scientist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median environmental scientist salary in Des Moines, IA is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$70,408
vs State Avg
+$2,296
vs National
$-6,122
Cost of Living
92%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 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)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $54,280
Median (50th) $70,408
75th Percentile $91,080
90th Percentile $115,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$72,704
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$67,346
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$65,816
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$64,285
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $115,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,408, a environmental scientist in Des Moines earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median environmental scientist salary of $70,408 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $68,112. 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 environmental scientist salary of $70,408 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Des Moines? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Des Moines 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.