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

Geologist Salary in Iowa

The median geologist salary in Iowa is $74,475 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$74,475
vs National
$-9,205
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Geologist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level geologist earns around $48,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,600 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,060
$-5,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,650
$-9,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,600
$-15,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $45,390
25th Percentile $56,070
Median (50th) $74,475
75th Percentile $99,680
90th Percentile $131,720

Geologist Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for geologists 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
$76,986
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,638
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$71,965
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$70,291
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$79,496
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Geologist in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Geologist Jobs in Iowa

Browse open geologist positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Geologist make in Iowa? ▼
The median geologist salary in Iowa is $74,475 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $45,390 (10th percentile) to $131,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,475, a geologist in Iowa earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for geologists? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $48,060, while senior professionals earn $124,600.
How does Iowa compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Iowa's median of $74,475 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($75,312) and Ohio ($75,312).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Iowa earns approximately $48,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,600.
What city in Iowa pays geologists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for geologists, with a median salary of $79,496. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.