Science & Research Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Physicist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median physicist salary in Sioux City, IA is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$128,041
vs State Avg
$-7,622
vs National
$-24,389
Cost of Living
84%

Physicist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median physicist salary of $128,041, which is $7,622 below the Iowa state average of $135,663. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $128,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Sioux City spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $199,920 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level physicist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,200
$-24,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
$-35,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $128,041
75th Percentile $163,800
90th Percentile $199,920

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
Davenport, IA
$131,090
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Physicist in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open physicist positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Physicist make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $199,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $128,041, a physicist in Sioux City earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for physicist pay? ▼
Sioux City's median physicist salary of $128,041 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $135,663. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $128,041 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Sioux City? ▼
Most physicist positions in Sioux City 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.