verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Chemical Engineer Salary in Iowa

Median Annual in Iowa
$117,590/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$56.54/hr
▼ 6% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Iowa

groups Employed in IA
40
public U.S. Median
$125,040
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$133,987 #9 of 41

Chemical Engineer pay in Iowa, explained

Chemical engineers in Iowa earn a median of $117,590 per year ($56.54 per hour), which is 6% below the national median of $125,040. Entry-level workers earn around $78,610, while the most experienced chemical engineers reach about $134,030. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Iowa.

Is $117,590 good pay in Iowa?

Adjusted for Iowa's cost of living (which runs 88% of the U.S. average), that $117,590 is worth about $133,987 in national buying power — ranking Iowa #9 for real pay (vs #17 on the sticker number).

See the full Chemical Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Chemical Engineer pay by experience in Iowa

Entry level (10th pct)
$78,610
$37.79/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$117,590
$56.54/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$134,030
$64.44/hr

Chemical Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IA
Iowa (here) $117,590 $133,987
Illinois $121,560 $121,611 −$3,970
Minnesota $107,670 $109,176 +$9,920
Missouri $102,320 $112,666 +$15,270
Nebraska $98,310 $109,108 +$19,280
Wisconsin $97,660 $103,789 +$19,930

Chemical Engineer in Iowa: FAQ

How much do chemical engineers make in Iowa?

Chemical engineers in Iowa earn a median of $117,590 per year ($56.54 per hour), compared with $125,040 nationally.

Does Iowa pay chemical engineers well?

At $117,590, Iowa pays 6% below the national median for chemical engineers. An estimated 40 work in the state.

Chemical Engineer salary in other states

All 41 states ranked arrow_forward

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