Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Iowa
Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $68,480, significantly below the national average of $92,790. This disparity is often influenced by the state's specific industry demands, the concentration of related businesses, and the overall economic landscape that shapes compensation for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,950.
- Outlook: Iowa's market for Food Scientists and Technologists presents a unique picture with a total local workforce of 410 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.8 indicates a substantial concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized demand within the state's agricultural and food processing sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa earns-26.2%below the national average.
$32.9
$1,317
$5,707
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Iowa's Food Scientist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field has experienced steady growth. This growth is typically driven by advancements in food technology, increased consumer demand for innovative and safe food products, and evolving regulatory landscapes, which collectively tend to push salaries upward over time.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Iowa
The career trajectory for Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa shows a clear progression in earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,120 | $19.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,360 | $24.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,450 | $30.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,600 | $41.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $99,950 | $48.1 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,343
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The nominal average salary of $68,480 in Iowa is considerably enhanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 89.7, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Iowa-based Food Scientist's salary is effectively higher than the raw number suggests, allowing for a potentially better quality of life and greater financial flexibility compared to higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
0.261
Per 1K Jobs
2.8
Location Quotient
Iowa has 2.8x the national concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.8, Iowa demonstrates a strong concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists relative to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek talent within this niche, suggesting that professionals in this field are in relatively high demand within the state's key industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $66,180↓ 3% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa is $68,480. This typically ranges from $41,120 for entry-level positions to $99,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 26.2% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Iowa offers a strong concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists, and the lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $68,480 average salary. However, this salary is notably lower than the national average.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?
Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($66,180) and others.
How does the number of Food Scientists in Iowa compare nationally?
Iowa has 410 Food Scientists and Technologists, and a Location Quotient of 2.8 signifies a concentration 1.8 times higher than the national average, indicating a specialized local market.
What is the job outlook for Food Scientists in Iowa?
The robust Location Quotient suggests a healthy demand for Food Scientists and Technologists within Iowa's food processing and agricultural sectors, indicating a positive job outlook for qualified professionals.
How does experience impact a Food Scientist's salary in Iowa?
Experience significantly influences salary, with entry-level roles earning less and senior positions commanding higher compensation, reflecting a typical career progression and increased value.
Is the cost of living in Iowa favorable for Food Scientists?
Yes, Iowa's Cost of Living Index of 89.7 is below the national average, meaning the $68,480 salary offers greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 0.261 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa