Is a $115,000 Data Scientist Salary in Iowa Worth It? (2026 Audit)
A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, Flat 3.8% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Des Moines metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.
By MazicBay Labor Bureau•Updated for 2026 IRS & State Tax Brackets•Verified with BLS Data
Iowa Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Des Moines Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)
Data Scientist Compensation Architecture in Iowa
Median Gross Salary
$115,000
Above: Data scientist analyzing statistical econometric regression models and distributions.Photo: Analytics & Data Bureau
Median Annual Gross
$115,000
$55.29/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$81,823
~$6,819/month
State Income Tax Rate
Flat 3.8%
COL Index: 89.8
Median Monthly Rent
$1,150
Des Moines Metro Avg
Data Scientist Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Iowa)
2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
Keep $6,819/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: Flat 3.8%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:
A $115,000 USD salary in Iowa converts approximately to:
UK Equivalent (GBP)
£90,850 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
€105,800 / yr
DES MOINES, IA (AP) —For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Iowa offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Data Scientist in the Des Moines metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $115,000 per year.
However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in Iowa's tax architecture (Flat 3.8%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $81,823.
2026 Iowa Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Iowa State Taxes.
Gross Pay
$9,583
Total Deductions
-$2,765
~29% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$6,819
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Iowa state revenue statutes.
Data Scientist Compensation & Career Specifications
Career Category
Technology
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)
$82,800 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)
$166,750 / year
National U.S. Baseline
$128,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
+28% (High Demand)
Required Education / License
Master's in Statistics/CS
Top Hiring Employers in Iowa
Principal Financial, John Deere, UnityPoint Health
Highest Demand Skillsets
SQL • Machine Learning • R/Python • A/B Testing
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist in Iowa
As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Data Scientist in Iowa is $115,000 ($55.29/hour). Entry-level roles average $82,800, while senior professionals command upwards of $166,750.
