Mid-level Materials Scientist salary in Ames, IA
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level II in the Ames, IA metro area, FY2025–FY2026.
Also listed as: Research Associate Materials Science
Median salary$80,000
Middle 50%$80k–$84.3k
vs. all levels here+0%comparison median $80,000
Filings10FY2025–FY2026 · latest two fiscal years
Salary range
All levels here
$60k$70k$80k$90k$100k
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $76,786 |
| 25th | $80,000 |
| 50th (median) | $80,000 |
| 75th | $84,250 |
| 90th | $86,735 |
Cost of living
Ames's median mid-level Materials Scientist salary of $80,000 is worth about $90,100 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Ames = 88.8).
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology | $80,000 | 10 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | too few | 8 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $80,000 | 10 |
| Senior · Level III | too few | 4 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level · Level II | $67,558 | $80,000 | 10 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.