Food Science Technician Salary in Iowa (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$50,740
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.39
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-3% vs US median
US median $52,130
State Rank
#21 of 38
420 employed here

How much does a Food Science Technician make in Iowa?

A Food Science Technician working in Iowa earns a median salary of $50,740 per year, or about $24.39 per hour. That is 3% below the national median of $52,130 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $40,200 while the top 10% make $66,370 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,180 and $58,150 a year.

Food Science Technician salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$40,200$19.33
25th percentile (early career)$47,180$22.68
50th percentile (median)$50,740$24.39
75th percentile (experienced)$58,150$27.96
90th percentile (top earners)$66,370$31.91

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 21st out of 38 states and territories for Food Science Technician pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Virginia$65,360
2Kentucky$64,770
3Washington$62,070
4Vermont$60,980
5Illinois$60,820

Working as a Food Science Technician in Iowa

Nationally, about 15,000 people work as Food Science Technicians in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($50,740) 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 a Food Science Technician make in Iowa?
The median Food Science Technician salary in Iowa is $50,740 per year, or about $24.39 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $40,200 at the entry level to $66,370 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Food Science Technicians about 3% less than the national median of $52,130. Iowa ranks 21st out of 38 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Food Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,740 a year. About 420 Food Science Technicians are employed in Iowa. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
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 Food Science Technician 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.