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Geologist Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Geologist in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $73,070 median (26% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #43 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $73,070, Geologists in Iowa earn 26% below the national median of $99,240. Iowa ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$73,070

Hourly estimate

$35.13
26% below national median

Difference: -$26,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$58,100
  • P2525th percentile$60,780
  • P50Median$73,070
  • P7575th percentile$86,040
  • P9090th percentile$99,280

State vs National Median

State: $73,070
National: $99,240

Total employment: 40 | Annual openings: N/A

Geologist Salary Ranking

#43 of 50 statesfor Geologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Texas$155,330
#2Rhode Island$128,870
#3Oklahoma$128,240
#4Mississippi$113,730
#5California$111,400

Nearby States Comparison

Geologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$73,070Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$72,490Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$80,610No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$85,420No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$95,210Degree requiredThird-party exam required3 years
Nebraska$85,500Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-15 years
South Dakota$72,280Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5157259022

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$51,300Specific course requiredVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$52,200Specific course requiredVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$58,730Specific course requiredVaries by board
Environmental Scientist$74,060Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Geologist in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Geologists in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.

What education do you need to become a Geologist in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Geologist salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Geologists in Iowa is $73,070. Salaries range from $58,100 (10th percentile) to $99,280 (90th percentile).

How does the Geologist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Geologists in Iowa earn 26% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $73,070.

How many Geologists work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 40 Geologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Geologist license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Geologists in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.plb.iowa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Geologist license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.