Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Biochemists and Biophysicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $83,790 a year ($40.28 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $67,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,940 for the top 10%. That is 34% lower than the national median of $127,410. Pay here is 17% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $101,090. There are 0.09 biochemists and biophysicists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.39). The average (mean) salary is $82,670, close to the median.
Pay range for biochemists and biophysicists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,200 | $32.31 |
| 25th percentile | $67,200 | $32.31 |
| Median | $83,790 | $40.28 |
| 75th percentile | $83,790 | $40.28 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,940 | $52.86 |
| Average (mean) | $82,670 | $39.74 |
Half of biochemists and biophysicists 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 | $6,982.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,491.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,222.69 |
| Weekly | $1,611.35 |
| Hourly | $40.28 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $83,790 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for biochemists and biophysicists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Florida | $157,390 |
| California | $139,580 |
| Tennessee | $134,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 |
| Connecticut | $132,670 |
| Massachusetts | $131,600 |
| New Jersey | $122,620 |
| District of Columbia | $120,090 |
| New Hampshire | $109,770 |
| Michigan | $109,340 |
See Biochemists and Biophysicists pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $132,290 | $63.60 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $76,580 | $36.82 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $95,200 | $45.77 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $99,420 | $47.80 |
| Conservation Scientist | $76,540 | $36.80 |
| Epidemiologist | $83,650 | $40.22 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $92,310 | $44.38 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $81,220 | $39.05 |
| Chemist | $87,560 | $42.10 |
| Food Science Technician | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $43,960 | $21.14 |
| 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 19-1021. 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 biochemists and biophysicists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $83,790 a year, or $40.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $67,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,940 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid biochemists and biophysicists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of biochemists and biophysicists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $109,940 a year. The top 25% earn $83,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for biochemists and biophysicists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,200 a year, and a quarter of biochemists and biophysicists earn $67,200 or less.
How many biochemists and biophysicists work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 30 biochemists and biophysicists are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.