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Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$96,310
Median Annual Salary
▲ +33.0% vs 2024
$104,430
Mean Salary
$96,310
Median Salary
$46.30
Hourly Rate
960 people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa

Soil and Plant Scientists salary by percentile in Iowa

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

Soil and Plant Scientists salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $56,270$56,27025th25% earn less than $73,170$73,170MedianHalf earn more than $96,310$96,31075th75% earn less than $136,360$136,36090thTop 10% earn more than $170,820$170,820

Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa earn a median salary of $96,310 per year ($8,025/month). This is 27.8% above the national average of $75,370. Iowa ranks #4 out of 46 states for Soil and Plant Scientists pay. Approximately 960 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 33.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Science
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Learning
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Biology
4.43
English Language
4.05
Computers and Electronics
3.86
Chemistry
3.84
Mathematics
3.76
Typical Education: Master's Degree (28.6% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa

Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa range from $56,270 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $170,820 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $73,170 and $136,360.

Median $96,310
P10: $56,270 P25: $73,170 P75: $136,360 P90: $170,820
10th
$56,270
25th
$73,170
Median
$96,310
75th
$136,360
90th
$170,820
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $56,270 $27.05 $4,689
25th Percentile $73,170 $35.18 $6,097
Median (50th) $96,310 $46.30 $8,025
75th Percentile $136,360 $65.56 $11,363
90th Percentile (Experienced) $170,820 $82.12 $14,235

Note: The mean (average) salary of $104,430 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#4
Iowa ranks #4 of 46 states
$75,370
National avg. for Soil and Plant Scientists
+27.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Soil and Plant Scientists Data in Iowa

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary by State

Compare Soil and Plant Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa is $96,310 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $104,430.
What is the salary range for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa?
Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa range from $56,270 at the 10th percentile to $170,820 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $73,170 and $136,360.
What is the starting salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa?
Entry-level Soil and Plant Scientists positions in Iowa typically start around $56,270 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $73,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 960 people are employed as Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Iowa is approximately $46.30 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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