Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $73,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and industry specific demand within the state. The compensation landscape is shaped by the unique economic drivers and the concentration of these specialized roles within Iowa's workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 14,310 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, Iowa demonstrates a substantial presence in these fields. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that these occupations are nearly as prevalent in Iowa as they are nationally, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these skilled professionals within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa earns-20.1%below the national average.
$35.3
$1,411
$6,113
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typical for specialized scientific roles, driven by advancements in technology, increased research funding, and evolving industry needs, leading to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa
Career progression in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within Iowa typically correlates with increased experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and proven track records can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for substantial career and financial advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,330 | $18.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,020 | $26.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,270 | $31.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $91,700 | $44.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $113,400 | $54.5 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,784
Adjusted for COL (89.7)
The average annual salary of $73,360 in Iowa for these science roles presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index, which is below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an Iowan scientist's salary is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
14,310
Total Jobs
9.166
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Iowa has 0.98x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.98 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are well-represented in Iowa, closely mirroring national employment patterns. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities are available, but the concentration is not significantly higher or lower than the national average, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for professionals in these fields.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,220↑ 5% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,890↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,440↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↑ 5% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,700↓ 2% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa is $73,360. This typically ranges from $39,330 for entry-level positions to $113,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa is 20.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Iowa a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.Iowa offers a competitive salary of $73,360, which is enhanced by a cost of living below the national average. While the average salary is lower than the national figure, the favorable cost of living makes it an economically sound location for these professionals.
Is Iowa a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 Ames, IA ($77,220) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does Iowa's average salary compare to the national average for these science roles?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa is $73,360, which is below the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa?
Iowa has a location quotient of 0.98 for these occupations, indicating a concentration very close to the national average, suggesting a stable presence in the state's workforce.
How does the cost of living in Iowa affect the salary for science professionals?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa's lower cost of living enhances the effective purchasing power of the $73,360 average salary, making it more substantial than it appears when compared to higher-cost states.
What is the total number of professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa?
There are 14,310 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the state of Iowa.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,310 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 9.166 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa