Science & Research Davenport, IA Pop. 101,724

Physicist Salary in Davenport, Iowa

The median physicist salary in Davenport, IA is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$131,090
vs State Avg
$-4,573
vs National
$-21,340
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Pay in Davenport: What to Expect (2026)

Davenport offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $4,573 below the Iowa state average of $135,663. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Davenport spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Davenport by Experience

In Davenport, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,300
$-21,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Davenport, IA

Percentile Davenport
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $92,880
Median (50th) $131,090
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $204,680

Physicist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$144,809
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$140,236
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$134,138
Pop. 137,710
Sioux City, IA
$128,041
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Physicist in Davenport

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Davenport 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 Davenport may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Davenport

Browse open physicist positions in Davenport, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Davenport

How much does a Physicist make in Davenport, IA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Davenport, Iowa is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Davenport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Davenport earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Davenport compare to the Iowa state average for physicist pay? ▼
Davenport's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 3.4% below the Iowa state average of $135,663. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Davenport, IA? ▼
Davenport has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Davenport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Davenport? ▼
Most physicist positions in Davenport 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.