Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $72,530 -25.6% vs national
Median hourly $34.87
10th percentile $72,530
90th percentile $131,930
National median $97,450

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Atmospheric and Space Scientists
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,530
    25th
    $72,530
    50th (median)
    $72,530
    75th
    $73,070
    90th
    $131,930

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary vs area income 86% Median Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary is 14% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $141,370
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $134,060
    San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX $132,850
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $128,940
    Hawaii $122,180
    Urban Honolulu, HI $122,180

    Nearby metros — Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $128,940
    California $117,770
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $112,780
    Virginia $111,920
    Omaha, NE-IA $111,200
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $105,290

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Agricultural Technicians $39,340
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $82,830
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $101,880
    Soil and Plant Scientists $86,120
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $76,220
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $44,040

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Des Moines, IA is $34.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $66.40 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists salaries?

    The median Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary in Des Moines, IA is 25.6% below the national median of $97,450. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Atmospheric and Space Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $72,530 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $72,530.