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

Physicist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median physicist salary in Des Moines, IA is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$4,573
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$144,809
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$134,138
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$131,090
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$128,041
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Physicist in Des Moines

Education

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