In the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $74,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where industry concentration and demand may differ significantly from urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,400.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Iowa is characterized by a workforce of 1,170 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-18.9%below the national average.
$35.8
$1,433
$6,208
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 nonmetropolitan areas like Northwest Iowa have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing importance of scientific roles across various sectors.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to $50,000, while senior scientists or specialists could command salaries well over $100,000. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,860 | $19.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,875 | $26.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $65,670 | $31.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $93,125 | $44.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,400 | $58.8 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $74,500 in Northwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
7.963
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.85x 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 0.85 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that while these roles are present and necessary, the market may be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals but also indicating a smaller overall demand pool.
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↑ 4% | 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↓ 4% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↑ 3% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,700↓ 4% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $74,500. This typically ranges from $40,860 for entry-level positions to $122,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 18.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $74,500 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($77,220) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northwest Iowa is $74,500, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the cost of living in Northwest Iowa?
The cost of living in Northwest Iowa is at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated are these science jobs in Northwest Iowa?
The concentration of these science jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.85, indicating slightly less concentration than the national average.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science workers are there in Northwest Iowa?
There are approximately 1,170 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.963 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area