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

Geologist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median geologist salary in Des Moines, IA is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$76,986
vs State Avg
+$2,511
vs National
$-6,694
Cost of Living
92%

Geologist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level geologist earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $76,986
75th Percentile $103,040
90th Percentile $136,160

Geologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$79,496
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,638
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$71,965
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$70,291
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Geologist in Des Moines

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open geologist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Geologist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,986, a geologist in Des Moines earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for geologist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median geologist salary of $76,986 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $74,475. 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 geologist salary of $76,986 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Des Moines? ▼
Most geologist positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.