Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $76,850 a year ($36.95 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $76,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $138,110 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $99,070. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $76,850. The average (mean) salary is $92,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for atmospheric and space scientists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,840 | $36.94 |
| 25th percentile | $76,850 | $36.95 |
| Median | $76,850 | $36.95 |
| 75th percentile | $109,760 | $52.77 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $138,110 | $66.40 |
| Average (mean) | $92,130 | $44.29 |
Half of atmospheric and space scientists 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 | $6,404.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,202.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,955.77 |
| Weekly | $1,477.88 |
| Hourly | $36.95 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $76,850 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $60,740 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for atmospheric and space scientists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $128,800 |
| California | $124,920 |
| Hawaii | $121,010 |
| New Jersey | $120,180 |
| Idaho | $119,430 |
| New York | $117,540 |
| Florida | $115,960 |
| Arizona | $115,020 |
| Missouri | $114,230 |
| Illinois | $112,280 |
See Atmospheric and Space Scientists 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 |
| Physicist | $178,110 | $85.63 |
| 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 19-2021. 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 atmospheric and space scientists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for atmospheric and space scientists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $76,850 a year, or $36.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $138,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid atmospheric and space scientists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of atmospheric and space scientists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $138,110 a year. The top 25% earn $109,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for atmospheric and space scientists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,840 a year, and a quarter of atmospheric and space scientists earn $76,850 or less.