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Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$82,010
Median Annual Salary
▲ +29.3% vs 2024
$82,570
Mean Salary
$82,010
Median Salary
$39.43
Hourly Rate
380 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa

Food Scientists and Technologists salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $50,230$50,23025th25% earn less than $65,170$65,170MedianHalf earn more than $82,010$82,01075th75% earn less than $103,940$103,94090thTop 10% earn more than $111,310$111,310

Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa earn a median salary of $82,010 per year ($6,834/month). This is 6.0% below the national average of $87,249. Iowa ranks #26 out of 39 states for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. Approximately 380 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 29.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
4.23
Biology
4.17
Chemistry
4.09
Production and Processing
4.04
English Language
3.73
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (56.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa

Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa range from $50,230 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $111,310 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $65,170 and $103,940.

Median $82,010
P10: $50,230 P25: $65,170 P75: $103,940 P90: $111,310
10th
$50,230
25th
$65,170
Median
$82,010
75th
$103,940
90th
$111,310
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $50,230 $24.15 $4,185
25th Percentile $65,170 $31.33 $5,430
Median (50th) $82,010 $39.43 $6,834
75th Percentile $103,940 $49.97 $8,661
90th Percentile (Experienced) $111,310 $53.51 $9,275

Note: The mean (average) salary of $82,570 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#26
Iowa ranks #26 of 39 states
$87,249
National avg. for Food Scientists and Technologists
-6.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Scientists and Technologists take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Food Scientists and Technologists Data in Iowa

Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by State

Compare Food Scientists and Technologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa is $82,010 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $82,570.
What is the salary range for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa?
Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa range from $50,230 at the 10th percentile to $111,310 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $65,170 and $103,940.
What is the starting salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa?
Entry-level Food Scientists and Technologists positions in Iowa typically start around $50,230 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $65,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 380 people are employed as Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Iowa is approximately $39.43 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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