In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $65,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of living, while average nationally, often correlates with lower compensation due to a different economic landscape and industry concentration.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,680.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Iowa is characterized by a local workforce of 530 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The presence of 7.201 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, level of employment opportunities within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-28.9%below the national average.
$31.4
$1,256
$5,443
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise segment in Southwest Iowa is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and increased demand for scientific expertise likely contributed to modest, incremental increases in compensation for Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals, even in nonmetropolitan areas.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring specialized knowledge and extensive experience, command significantly higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries within this sector in Southwest Iowa would reflect these differences, with higher percentiles representing experienced professionals and lower percentiles indicating early-career individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $48,990 | $23.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,890 | $28.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $81,650 | $39.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $95,680 | $46 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,320 in Southwest 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 this income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the $65,320 earned locally offers a similar lifestyle to what $65,320 would provide in a typical U.S. location, making it a neutral factor in relocation decisions from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
7.201
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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 0.77 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Iowa indicates that these roles are less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the job market is not saturated, and the demand may be more specialized or niche. Employers might face a moderately competitive landscape for highly skilled candidates, but overall, the market appears balanced rather than intensely competitive.
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↑ 18% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,890↑ 13% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,440↑ 9% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↑ 18% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,700↑ 10% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $65,320. This typically ranges from $35,960 for entry-level positions to $95,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 28.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $65,320 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a national-average cost of living. The below-average location quotient also suggests less concentration of these roles.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 of $65,320 in Southwest Iowa is considerably lower than the national average of $91,840 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
What is the cost of living in Southwest Iowa?
The cost of living in Southwest Iowa is at the national average, indexed at 100, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive than the typical U.S. location.
How concentrated are Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs in this region?
These occupations are less concentrated in Southwest Iowa than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.77, indicating a moderate presence.
What is the total number of workers in these fields locally?
There are approximately 530 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Southwest 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 530 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.201 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area