Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
In Iowa City, IA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $71,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially the specific industry concentration within the region influence compensation levels. Factors such as the demand for specialized skills and the overall economic landscape of Iowa City play a crucial role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,210.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City presents a robust picture, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,500 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.89 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized talent pool. With 27.074 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these scientific professions is more than double the national rate, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment sector.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City, IA earns-21.9%below the national average.
$34.5
$1,379
$5,975
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth typically translates into upward pressure on salaries as demand for skilled professionals increases and employers compete for talent. Consequently, professionals in Iowa City can likely anticipate a positive trajectory in their earning potential within this sector.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior roles, requiring extensive expertise and leadership, can significantly exceed the average. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior professionals highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and substantial earning potential for those who invest in their professional development and acquire specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,720 | $20.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,775 | $25.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $67,280 | $32.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,625 | $43.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $99,210 | $47.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $71,700 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Iowa City is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses. While the salary is below the national average for this profession, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay can still support a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
2,500
Total Jobs
27.074
Per 1K Jobs
2.89
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 2.9x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Iowa City exhibits a highly concentrated market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.89. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the region has a specialized demand for these professionals, potentially driven by local research institutions, universities, or specific industries. While this concentration points to a strong local presence, it also implies a competitive environment where employers may have access to a deeper pool of specialized talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City, IA is $71,700. This typically ranges from $41,720 for entry-level positions to $99,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 21.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the average salary of $71,700 is below the national average of $91,840, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($76,760) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the Iowa City salary compare to the national average for these science roles?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City is $71,700, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.89 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.89 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are significantly more concentrated in Iowa City than the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job market.
Does the Cost of Living in Iowa City affect the salary's value?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Iowa City is 100, which is the national average. This means the $71,700 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How large is the workforce for these science roles in Iowa City?
There are approximately 2,500 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Iowa City.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,500 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 27.074 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 City, IA