Science & Research Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Physicist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median physicist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
$-1,525
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $1,525 below the Iowa state average of $135,663. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Cedar Rapids spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$144,809
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$140,236
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$131,090
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$128,041
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Physicist in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open physicist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Physicist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for physicist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $135,663. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most physicist positions in Cedar Rapids require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.