Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Iowa

Food scientists and technologists in Iowa earn the most in Sioux City (average $83,260 a year) and the least in Des Moines ($80,250), across the 2 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food scientists and technologists average at $82,570 and the median at $82,010 for 380 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $95,360.

Food Scientists and Technologists average salary by city in Iowa

Sioux City$83,260
Des Moines$80,250

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Sioux City	$83,260	$78,260	$62,390	$64,851	86
Des Moines	$80,250	$76,580	$54,150	$62,848	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.

Food Scientists and Technologists salary in other states

Food Scientists and Technologists 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 19-1012.
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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