Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Iowa
The median pay for a soil and plant scientists in Iowa is $72,440/year ($34.83/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $135K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $72K get you in Iowa?
About soil and plant scientists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level soil and plant scientists (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $72K. Top earners bring in $135K or more, a $87K spread from bottom to top.
Soil and Plant Scientists salary by metro in Iowa
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $86K | +19% | 240 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $64K | -11% | 30 |
| Ames | $62K | -14% | 150 |
Compare to other states
Track soil and plant scientists 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 soil and plant scientists make in Iowa?
The median is $72,440 a year, that works out to about $35 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,060, and experienced soil and plant scientists can clear $135,150. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $72K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,637/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 22.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a soil and plant scientists 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 soil and plant scientists salary is worth about $81,521 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do soil and plant scientists 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.