Environmental Scientist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa
The median environmental scientist salary in Sioux City, IA is $64,285 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)
Sioux City offers a median environmental scientist salary of $64,285, which is $3,827 below the Iowa state average of $68,112. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $64,285 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for environmental scientists in Sioux City spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $105,840 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Sioux City by Experience
In Sioux City, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA
| Percentile | Sioux City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,560 |
| Median (50th) | $64,285 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,840 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Sioux City
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Sioux City
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Sioux City, IA: