Physicist salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Physicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $178,110 a year ($85.63 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $91,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $292,990 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $172,250. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $178,110. There are 0.11 physicists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $171,100, close to the median.
Pay range for physicists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $91,070 | $43.79 |
| 25th percentile | $107,510 | $51.69 |
| Median | $178,110 | $85.63 |
| 75th percentile | $218,520 | $105.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $292,990 | $140.86 |
| Average (mean) | $171,100 | $82.26 |
Half of physicists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $14,842.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $7,421.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $6,850.38 |
| Weekly | $3,425.19 |
| Hourly | $85.63 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for physicists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Florida | $225,390 |
| New Hampshire | $214,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $210,990 |
| California | $207,490 |
| Oregon | $200,320 |
| Oklahoma | $200,050 |
| Texas | $184,040 |
| New York | $181,970 |
| Kentucky | $180,910 |
| Connecticut | $180,300 |
See Physicist pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $81,220 | $39.05 |
| Chemist | $87,560 | $42.10 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $76,850 | $36.95 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $132,290 | $63.60 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $92,310 | $44.38 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $76,580 | $36.82 |
| Food Science Technician | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $95,200 | $45.77 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $99,420 | $47.80 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $43,960 | $21.14 |
| Conservation Scientist | $76,540 | $36.80 |
| School Psychologist | $76,320 | $36.69 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $71,160 | $34.21 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physicist make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for physicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $178,110 a year, or $85.63 an hour. Pay ranges from $91,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $292,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid physicists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of physicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $292,990 a year. The top 25% earn $218,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for physicists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $91,070 a year, and a quarter of physicists earn $107,510 or less.
How many physicists work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 50 physicists are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.