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Physicists Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$178,110
Median Annual Salary
▲ +47.4% vs 2024
$176,230
Mean Salary
$178,110
Median Salary
$85.63
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Physicists in Iowa

Physicists salary by percentile in Iowa

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

Physicists salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $83,830$83,83025th25% earn less than $104,970$104,970MedianHalf earn more than $178,110$178,11075th75% earn less than $218,520$218,52090thTop 10% earn more than $292,990$292,990

Physicists in Iowa earn a median salary of $178,110 per year ($14,842/month). This is 15.8% above the national average of $153,763. Iowa ranks #11 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 47.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Physicists in Iowa

Salaries for Physicists in Iowa range from $83,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $292,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $104,970 and $218,520.

Median $178,110
P10: $83,830 P25: $104,970 P75: $218,520 P90: $292,990
10th
$83,830
25th
$104,970
Median
$178,110
75th
$218,520
90th
$292,990
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $83,830 $40.30 $6,985
25th Percentile $104,970 $50.47 $8,747
Median (50th) $178,110 $85.63 $14,842
75th Percentile $218,520 $105.06 $18,210
90th Percentile (Experienced) $292,990 $140.86 $24,415

Note: The mean (average) salary of $176,230 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#11
Iowa ranks #11 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
+15.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Physicists Data in Iowa

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Physicists in Iowa is $178,110 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $176,230.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in Iowa?
Salaries for Physicists in Iowa range from $83,830 at the 10th percentile to $292,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $104,970 and $218,520.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in Iowa?
Entry-level Physicists positions in Iowa typically start around $83,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $104,970 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Physicists in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in Iowa is approximately $85.63 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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