Economists Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, economists earn $92,750 at the median — $44.59 an hour. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $138K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $93K get you in Iowa?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level economists (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $93K. Top earners bring in $138K or more, a $85K spread from bottom to top.
Economists salary by metro in Iowa
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $114K | +23% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track economists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do economists make in Iowa?
The median is $92,750 a year, that works out to about $45 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,700, and experienced economists can clear $137,590. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $93K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,731/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 18.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a economists salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median economists salary is worth about $104,378 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do economists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.