Iowa offers comprehensive environmental science programs at institutions like the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, from bachelor's through master's levels. Environmental scientists in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $79,030, slightly below the national average. The field is projected to grow 7.8% through 2032, creating approximately 60 annual job openings as the state addresses agricultural water quality challenges.
Iowa is defined by rivers. The Mississippi is our eastern border, and the Big Sioux and the Missouri form the west. The Des Moines, Cedar, and a whole raft of other rivers named after local critters lace down through the center of the state, irrigating our vast croplands.
But those croplands are slowly killing long and proud rivers, presenting an ecological challenge that stretches far beyond our borders, affecting ecosystems as far away as the Gulf of Mexico. Less than one percent of the original long grass prairies that originally cultivated our rich soil remain. The farmland that has largely replaced them has been salted with fertilizers and pesticides that have caused nitrate levels in local rivers to more than triple since the 1950s.
Like most slow-motion ecological disasters, what took a long time to realize will take even longer to correct. Clean-up and mitigation efforts in Iowa will provide environmental scientists with plenty of work for decades to come, particularly in wastewater treatment and water quality monitoring.
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in Iowa?
Environmental science careers in Iowa center primarily around agriculture-the state's dominant industry and most significant environmental challenge. Whether working for state agencies like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, private environmental consultancies, or agricultural companies, professionals focus on soil science, water quality management, and agricultural engineering.
The state's large industrial employers also need environmental scientists for mitigation and compliance work. Cummins, a major engine and power generation manufacturer in the Des Moines area, requires specialists for emissions control and environmental compliance. Arconic, which produces advanced materials for aerospace and automotive applications, needs professionals for waste management and sustainability initiatives.
Iowa also offers cutting-edge opportunities in renewable energy. We're a national leader in wind energy production, consistently ranking first or second nationally in wind-generated electricity. Companies like Avangrid specialize in planning and building green energy projects across Iowa cropland, creating demand for environmental scientists who understand land use, wildlife impact assessments, and sustainable development. Solar energy installations are also growing rapidly, adding another career pathway for graduates interested in conservation science and renewable technology.
Beyond these sectors, careers in agriculture and forestry remain core opportunities, from precision agriculture consulting to watershed management and ecological restoration projects throughout the state.
Environmental Scientist Salaries in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists in Iowa earn competitive salaries, though slightly below the national average. As of May 2024, the mean annual salary for environmental scientists in Iowa is $79,030, compared to the national average of $88,640.
The salary range reflects career progression and experience levels. Entry-level professionals at the 10th percentile earn approximately $53,800 annually, while the median salary sits at $74,060. Experienced environmental scientists at the 75th percentile earn $88,410, and senior professionals at the 90th percentile can reach $122,040.
Iowa currently employs approximately 620 environmental scientists across various sectors, from state environmental agencies to private consulting firms and agricultural corporations. While the average salary is about $9,600 below the national mean, Iowa's lower cost of living often compensates for this difference, particularly in areas outside the Des Moines metro region.
Career advancement typically requires additional specialization or graduate education. Environmental scientists who develop expertise in high-demand areas like water quality modeling, agricultural pollution control, or renewable energy assessment often command salaries at the higher end of the range. Those who move into supervisory roles or senior consulting positions can exceed the 90th percentile figures.
Career Outlook and Job Growth in Iowa
The employment outlook for environmental scientists in Iowa is positive, driven by ongoing agricultural water quality challenges and expanding renewable energy initiatives. According to Iowa Workforce Development projections, the field is expected to grow 7.8% between 2022 and 2032, adding approximately 50 new positions over the decade.
This translates to roughly 60 annual job openings when accounting for both new positions and replacement needs due to retirements and career changes. The growth rate slightly exceeds the national average for environmental scientists, reflecting Iowa's pressing need for professionals who can address agricultural runoff, implement conservation practices, and support the state's transition to renewable energy.
Iowa's most significant environmental challenge-agricultural water quality-ensures sustained demand for environmental scientists. Federal and state initiatives targeting nutrient reduction in the Mississippi River Basin will require specialists in watershed management, soil conservation, and water treatment for years to come. The state's commitment to reducing nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico creates long-term career stability in this sector.
The renewable energy sector also contributes to job growth. As Iowa continues expanding wind and solar installations, environmental scientists are needed for site assessments, environmental impact statements, wildlife surveys, and ongoing monitoring of renewable energy projects. This emerging sector offers career paths that blend traditional environmental science with sustainable development and clean energy technology.
Master's in Environmental Science in Iowa
A master's degree gives you the kind of in-depth preparation and scientific expertise that it takes to reach the top of the field in environmental science. Iowa is blessed with a strong university system that can put you among the top tier of graduates in any state at the master's level.
The University of Iowa program in geoscience is one of those avenues, and one that is particularly aligned with the needs in the state for soils and aquifer studies. This focus proves especially valuable given Iowa's water quality challenges, providing graduates with specialized knowledge in hydrogeology and watershed science.
Iowa State, meanwhile, goes both broader and more specialized, offering master of science degrees in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, and Wildlife Ecology, among others. This flexibility allows you either to gain the comprehensive perspective of national and global ecology or to drill down into agri-science or small ecosystem management-helping you align your education with your specific career goals.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Iowa
The state's many fine undergraduate universities have programs that allow you to prepare yourself either for direct entry into the environmental science profession or to lay the groundwork for further studies at the master's level.
In Fayette, Upper Iowa University has an environmental science major that builds on a strong foundation of math, chemistry, physics, and biology to offer the flexibility for students to prepare for a wide range of outcomes. This broad-based approach works well for students still exploring which environmental science specialty interests them most.
Buena Vista University, in Storm Lake, has a unique program in environmental science that aims much more directly at careers in conservation work, consulting, and cleanup. The innovative department has undertaken projects such as running a hackathon in conjunction with the computer science department to build an environmentally-themed app. Students also have the opportunity to volunteer on active environmental restoration projects. The combination of innovation and practical application has led to a 100 percent post-graduation employment rate for BV environmental science students-a remarkable achievement that speaks to both program quality and employer demand.
For a fieldwork-focused degree, Drake has a bachelor's in environmental science that endeavors to put students out in the field as often as possible. And although the fieldwork opportunities in Iowa are vast, Drake doesn't stop there-students have undertaken projects in Rwanda and Belize in the course of their studies as well, providing global perspectives that complement their understanding of Iowa's environmental challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What environmental challenges does Iowa face?
Iowa's primary environmental challenge is agricultural water quality. Nitrate levels in rivers have more than tripled since the 1950s due to fertilizer and pesticide runoff from croplands. This pollution affects local ecosystems and contributes to the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone. Less than one percent of Iowa's original prairie remains, leading to soil erosion and habitat loss. These ongoing challenges create sustained career opportunities for environmental scientists in water quality monitoring, soil conservation, and ecological restoration.
What can I do with an environmental science degree in Iowa?
Iowa offers diverse career paths focused primarily on agriculture and water quality. You can work for state agencies like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on conservation and compliance, join private environmental consulting firms assessing agricultural impacts, or work directly for agricultural companies on sustainability initiatives. Industrial employers like Cummins and Arconic need environmental scientists for emissions control and waste management. The growing renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar development, creates additional opportunities in site assessment and environmental impact analysis.
Which Iowa universities offer the best environmental science programs?
The University of Iowa and Iowa State University offer comprehensive graduate programs, with UI specializing in geoscience and aquifer studies, while ISU provides broader options, including Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, and Wildlife Ecology degrees. For undergraduate education, Upper Iowa University offers a flexible foundation program, Buena Vista University provides a career-focused approach with 100% employment placement, and Drake University emphasizes extensive fieldwork both in Iowa and internationally. Your best choice depends on whether you're seeking broad foundational knowledge or specialized career preparation.
What is the job outlook for environmental scientists in Iowa?
The job outlook is positive, with 7.8% growth projected between 2022 and 2032. This creates approximately 60 annual job openings when accounting for new positions and replacements. Iowa's ongoing agricultural water quality challenges and expanding renewable energy sector drive this demand. Federal and state initiatives targeting nutrient reduction in the Mississippi River Basin ensure sustained need for watershed management and water quality specialists, while wind and solar energy development creates emerging career paths.
How much do environmental scientists earn in Iowa?
Environmental scientists in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $79,030, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The median salary is $74,060, with entry-level positions around $53,800 and experienced professionals earning up to $122,040. While slightly below the national average of $88,640, Iowa's lower cost of living often compensates for this difference. Salaries increase with specialization in high-demand areas like water quality modeling or renewable energy assessment, and with advancement to senior or supervisory roles.
Key Takeaways
- Water Quality Focus: Iowa's agricultural runoff creates extensive career opportunities in water quality management, watershed science, and conservation-addressing challenges that affect ecosystems from local rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists in Iowa earn an average of $79,030 annually, with experienced professionals reaching $122,040. While slightly below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living provides strong purchasing power.
- Strong University Programs: The University of Iowa's geoscience program and Iowa State's specialized degrees offer diverse pathways, while undergraduate programs at Upper Iowa, Buena Vista, and Drake provide flexible preparation for various career directions.
- Growing Career Field: 7.8% job growth projected through 2032, creating approximately 60 annual openings. Ongoing water quality challenges and renewable energy expansion ensure sustained demand for environmental science professionals.
- Renewable Energy Opportunities: Iowa's leadership in wind energy production (consistently #1 or #2 nationally) creates additional career paths beyond traditional conservation work, including site assessment, environmental impact analysis, and sustainable development consulting.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in Iowa? Explore degree programs that align with your passion for conservation and Iowa's unique ecological challenges.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
