Animal Scientist Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Animal Scientists in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$75,290
per year
Hourly Rate
$36.20
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+9% vs US median
US median $68,940
State Rank
#9 of 13
60 employed here

How much does an Animal Scientist make in Iowa?

Animal Scientists in Iowa take home a median of $75,290 annually — roughly $36.20 an hour — which runs 9% above the national median of $68,940.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $50,580 while the top 10% make $186,390 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,280 and $135,690 a year.

Animal Scientist salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$50,580$24.32
25th percentile (early career)$59,280$28.50
50th percentile (median)$75,290$36.20
75th percentile (experienced)$135,690$65.24
90th percentile (top earners)$186,390$89.61

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 9th out of 13 states and territories for Animal Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Texas$132,830
2Minnesota$88,640
3Wisconsin$84,310
4Washington$83,160
5Kansas$80,090

Working as an Animal Scientist in Iowa

Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Animal Scientists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($75,290) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Animal Scientist make in Iowa?
The median Animal Scientist salary in Iowa is $75,290 per year, or about $36.20 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $50,580 at the entry level to $186,390 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Animal Scientists about 9% more than the national median of $68,940. Iowa ranks 9th out of 13 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Animal Scientists?
Yes on pay — Iowa pays above the national median for this occupation, at $75,290 a year. About 60 Animal Scientists are employed in Iowa. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Scientist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.