Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Salary in Iowa

Chemical equipment operators and tenders in Iowa earn the most in Ames (average $59,590 a year) and the least in Des Moines ($59,560), across the 2 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the chemical equipment operators and tenders average at $60,430 and the median at $57,550 for 2,010 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,710.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders average salary by city in Iowa

Ames$59,590
Des Moines$59,560

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Ames	$59,590	$62,300	$52,850	$48,408	89
Des Moines	$59,560	$59,230	$50,470	$48,385	92

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary in other states

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 51-9011.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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