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Materials Scientists Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Materials Scientists make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$88,320
Median Annual Salary
▼ -8.0% vs 2024
$99,050
Mean Salary
$88,320
Median Salary
$42.46
Hourly Rate
180 people work as Materials Scientists in Iowa

Materials Scientists salary by percentile in Iowa

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

Materials Scientists salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Materials Scientists in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $52,450$52,45025th25% earn less than $67,590$67,590MedianHalf earn more than $88,320$88,32075th75% earn less than $124,100$124,10090thTop 10% earn more than $149,020$149,020

Materials Scientists in Iowa earn a median salary of $88,320 per year ($7,360/month). This is 23.4% below the national average of $115,262. Iowa ranks #27 out of 30 states for Materials Scientists pay. Approximately 180 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries decreased by 8.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Science
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.76
Chemistry
4.55
Mathematics
4.52
Physics
4.38
Computers and Electronics
3.95
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (38.1% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Materials Scientists in Iowa

Salaries for Materials Scientists in Iowa range from $52,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $149,020 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $67,590 and $124,100.

Median $88,320
P10: $52,450 P25: $67,590 P75: $124,100 P90: $149,020
10th
$52,450
25th
$67,590
Median
$88,320
75th
$124,100
90th
$149,020
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,450 $25.22 $4,370
25th Percentile $67,590 $32.50 $5,632
Median (50th) $88,320 $42.46 $7,360
75th Percentile $124,100 $59.66 $10,341
90th Percentile (Experienced) $149,020 $71.64 $12,418

Note: The mean (average) salary of $99,050 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#27
Iowa ranks #27 of 30 states
$115,262
National avg. for Materials Scientists
-23.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Materials Scientists Data in Iowa

Materials Scientists Salary by State

Compare Materials Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Materials Scientists make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Materials Scientists in Iowa is $88,320 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $99,050.
What is the salary range for a Materials Scientists in Iowa?
Salaries for Materials Scientists in Iowa range from $52,450 at the 10th percentile to $149,020 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $67,590 and $124,100.
What is the starting salary for a Materials Scientists in Iowa?
Entry-level Materials Scientists positions in Iowa typically start around $52,450 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $67,590 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Materials Scientists in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 180 people are employed as Materials Scientists in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Materials Scientists in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Materials Scientists in Iowa is approximately $42.46 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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