Public Service Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Iowa

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Iowa is $70,079 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $78,740.

Median Salary
$70,079
vs National
$-8,661
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist compensation. Occupational Health & Safety Specialist salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,079 per year, occupational health & safety specialists in Iowa earn $8,661 less than the national median of $78,740.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $70,079 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,740 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: occupational health & safety specialists at the 10th percentile earn $42,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $108,580 — a $65,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $74,803.

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for occupational health & safety specialists across the country.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $44,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,020 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,500
$-5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,020
$-12,980 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $42,720
25th Percentile $55,180
Median (50th) $70,079
75th Percentile $89,000
90th Percentile $108,580

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for occupational health & safety specialists in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Iowa

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Iowa? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Iowa is $70,079 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $42,720 (10th percentile) to $108,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,079, a occupational health & safety specialist in Iowa earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for occupational health & safety specialists? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level occupational health & safety specialists earn $44,500, while senior professionals earn $105,020.
How does Iowa compare to other states for occupational health & safety specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational health & safety specialists is Hawaii at $133,858. Iowa's median of $70,079 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($70,866) and Ohio ($70,866).
What is the entry-level occupational health & safety specialist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level occupational health & safety specialist in Iowa earns approximately $44,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,020.
What city in Iowa pays occupational health & safety specialists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for occupational health & safety specialists, with a median salary of $74,803. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.