Iowa salaries by occupation
The median worker in Iowa earned $47,670 a year in 2024, about $22.92 an hour, 3.7% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 610 occupations.
Median pay $47,670 $22.92 per hour
Vs national median -3.7% U.S. $49,500
Workers 1,561,660 wage and salary
Occupations reported 610 with at least 100 employed
What Iowa is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Technicians | 7.43× | 1,080 | $39,330 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 6.81× | 1,970 | $60,210 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 6.15× | 700 | $62,040 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | 5.91× | 4,040 | $44,400 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 5.64× | 2,110 | $58,220 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | 5.45× | 1,710 | $48,690 |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | 5.23× | 3,070 | $40,570 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 4.75× | 610 | $45,700 |
| Locomotive Engineers | 4.68× | 1,520 | $87,550 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | 4.57× | 770 | $72,440 |
Metro areas in Iowa
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 9 Iowa metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $50,450 | $24.26 | 405,130 | #68 |
| Iowa City | $49,390 | $23.74 | 92,330 | #97 |
| Ames | $48,860 | $23.49 | 56,310 | #108 |
| Omaha | $48,720 | $23.42 | 491,140 | #110 |
| Cedar Rapids | $48,570 | $23.35 | 139,240 | #116 |
| Dubuque | $47,910 | $23.04 | 58,930 | #146 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $47,470 | $22.82 | 179,940 | #166 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $46,580 | $22.39 | 85,420 | #201 |
| Sioux City | $45,930 | $22.08 | 75,270 | #225 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $229,950 | $110.56 | 580 | #5 of 25 |
| Chief Executives | $178,530 | $85.83 | 3,520 | #16 of 33 |
| Dentists, General | $174,990 | $84.13 | 850 | #21 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $137,870 | $66.29 | 1,520 | #44 of 49 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $136,610 | $65.68 | 3,650 | #37 of 49 |
| Physician Assistants | $133,400 | $64.14 | 1,200 | #22 of 51 |
| Pharmacists | $133,220 | $64.05 | 2,920 | #43 of 51 |
| Database Architects | $131,370 | $63.16 | 280 | #21 of 41 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $130,980 | n/a | 100 | #14 of 18 |
| Financial Managers | $130,600 | $62.79 | 9,400 | #36 of 51 |
| Actuaries | $129,870 | $62.44 | 650 | #10 of 32 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $129,420 | $62.22 | 2,810 | #19 of 50 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | 43,160 | $28,780 | $13.84 |
| Retail Salespersons | 37,600 | $30,030 | $14.44 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 37,430 | $55,080 | $26.48 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 37,060 | $28,400 | $13.66 |
| General and Operations Managers | 33,560 | $80,620 | $38.76 |
| Registered Nurses | 33,480 | $76,960 | $37.00 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 32,150 | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 28,810 | $44,990 | $21.63 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 26,340 | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 26,020 | $37,370 | $17.97 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Iowa
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 79
- Power Plant Operators $98,880
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $93,760
- Gas Plant Operators $89,070
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $71,140
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $65,380
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $64,080
- Tool and Die Makers $61,840
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $60,210
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $59,400
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $58,340
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $57,300
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $56,660
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $56,380
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $55,800
- Tire Builders $55,110
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $55,030
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $54,320
- Machinists $53,400
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $52,310
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $52,100
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $50,940
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $50,470
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,260
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $50,250
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $49,940
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $49,810
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,560
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,450
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,950
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $48,940
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $48,880
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $48,880
- Food Batchmakers $48,790
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,780
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,610
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,560
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $47,890
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,850
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $47,740
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,530
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,440
- Medical Appliance Technicians $47,290
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,110
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $46,960
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $46,870
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $46,640
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,590
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,480
- Production Workers, All Other $46,380
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $46,210
- Helpers--Production Workers $46,000
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $45,910
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $45,850
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $45,730
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $45,700
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $45,570
- Furniture Finishers $45,480
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $45,390
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,380
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,240
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,920
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $44,810
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $44,760
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $44,400
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $44,390
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,900
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $42,550
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $42,060
- Etchers and Engravers $41,600
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $40,570
- Printing Press Operators $39,660
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $39,330
- Sewing Machine Operators $36,790
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $36,600
- Bakers $36,460
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $33,770
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $32,250
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $31,900
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $30,760
Education and library 52
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $111,770
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $106,060
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $100,350
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $97,290
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $86,130
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $82,560
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $81,340
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,610
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,400
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,310
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $77,460
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,770
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $76,270
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $76,050
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $75,600
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $75,550
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $75,540
- Instructional Coordinators $75,010
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $72,330
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $71,910
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $70,850
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $67,990
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $66,080
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $64,230
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $61,640
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,680
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $59,490
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $59,420
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,910
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $58,780
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $57,750
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $55,990
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $55,540
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $55,420
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $55,350
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $54,720
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $52,780
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $52,500
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $52,250
- Curators $52,230
- Farm and Home Management Educators $52,000
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $47,520
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $46,810
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $40,450
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $40,240
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $37,590
- Library Technicians $37,180
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $36,850
- Tutors $34,940
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $34,420
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $29,790
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,500
Office and administrative support 48
- Statistical Assistants $82,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $61,970
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $60,300
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $59,550
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $59,440
- Postal Service Clerks $58,950
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,820
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $56,830
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $52,380
- Brokerage Clerks $52,160
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $50,970
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $49,990
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $49,500
- Financial Clerks, All Other $49,140
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $48,710
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $48,390
- Procurement Clerks $47,490
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $47,150
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $46,830
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $46,820
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,750
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $46,320
- Cargo and Freight Agents $46,120
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $45,690
- Billing and Posting Clerks $45,440
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $45,300
- Customer Service Representatives $44,990
- File Clerks $44,930
- New Accounts Clerks $44,720
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $44,000
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $43,630
- Office Clerks, General $42,200
- Order Clerks $41,790
- Data Entry Keyers $41,090
- Bill and Account Collectors $40,150
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,240
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $38,360
- Word Processors and Typists $38,320
- Tellers $37,890
- Couriers and Messengers $37,730
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $37,160
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $37,090
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,980
- Gambling Cage Workers $36,420
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,730
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $34,640
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $30,250
- Library Assistants, Clerical $28,700
Healthcare practitioners 42
- Nurse Anesthetists $229,950
- Dentists, General $174,990
- Physician Assistants $133,400
- Pharmacists $133,220
- Nurse Practitioners $129,420
- Podiatrists $126,790
- Optometrists $119,990
- Veterinarians $100,910
- Physical Therapists $95,890
- Audiologists $93,790
- Occupational Therapists $88,780
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $86,830
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $83,890
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $83,590
- Dental Hygienists $82,770
- Speech-Language Pathologists $81,120
- Radiation Therapists $78,210
- Registered Nurses $76,960
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $76,340
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $71,980
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $68,880
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $68,840
- Respiratory Therapists $68,790
- Chiropractors $66,340
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $64,350
- Hearing Aid Specialists $63,280
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,460
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $54,560
- Surgical Technologists $53,920
- Paramedics $53,470
- Medical Records Specialists $51,580
- Recreational Therapists $50,520
- Athletic Trainers $49,700
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $46,010
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $44,160
- Opticians, Dispensing $41,810
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $41,780
- Pharmacy Technicians $41,380
- Psychiatric Technicians $39,670
- Emergency Medical Technicians $39,260
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $36,670
- Dietetic Technicians $34,000
Installation, maintenance and repair 40
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $95,850
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $83,970
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $77,980
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $71,220
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $70,080
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $67,860
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $65,090
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $63,480
- Millwrights $63,320
- Rail Car Repairers $63,290
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $62,260
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $62,040
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $61,990
- Riggers $61,880
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $61,860
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $60,650
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $59,490
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $59,010
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $58,800
- Mechanical Door Repairers $58,440
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $58,220
- Medical Equipment Repairers $57,860
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $51,270
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,170
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $49,580
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $49,150
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $49,090
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $48,400
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,090
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $47,040
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $46,760
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $45,000
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $44,930
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $44,720
- Home Appliance Repairers $44,520
- Motorcycle Mechanics $44,370
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $38,810
- Tire Repairers and Changers $38,140
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $38,120
- Bicycle Repairers $34,600
Construction and extraction 36
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $107,010
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $79,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $77,940
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $66,170
- Construction and Building Inspectors $63,830
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $63,470
- Electricians $62,880
- Glaziers $62,270
- Sheet Metal Workers $61,620
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $61,230
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $61,210
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $60,230
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $57,570
- Highway Maintenance Workers $56,800
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $54,650
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $54,540
- Carpenters $54,080
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $52,170
- Tile and Stone Setters $52,000
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $51,950
- Pipelayers $51,800
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $50,450
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $50,140
- Fence Erectors $49,970
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $49,940
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $48,960
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $48,780
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $48,630
- Construction Laborers $47,700
- Roofers $47,110
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $45,590
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $45,580
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $45,420
- Helpers--Electricians $42,010
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $41,930
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,320
Management 35
- Chief Executives $178,530
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $137,870
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $136,610
- Financial Managers $130,600
- Marketing Managers $128,150
- Sales Managers $128,010
- Managers, All Other $127,680
- Human Resources Managers $122,200
- Purchasing Managers $111,250
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $106,500
- Public Relations Managers $106,470
- Training and Development Managers $106,450
- Industrial Production Managers $104,920
- Administrative Services Managers $104,770
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $102,810
- Medical and Health Services Managers $100,750
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $100,350
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $99,470
- Facilities Managers $97,720
- Construction Managers $96,300
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $95,620
- Fundraising Managers $94,950
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $89,670
- Education Administrators, All Other $88,410
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $86,470
- General and Operations Managers $80,620
- Funeral Home Managers $77,530
- Gambling Managers $77,070
- Emergency Management Directors $65,640
- Food Service Managers $65,600
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $64,440
- Social and Community Service Managers $62,920
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $57,280
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $53,810
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $46,550
Business and financial 29
- Financial Risk Specialists $98,910
- Financial and Investment Analysts $88,940
- Project Management Specialists $85,000
- Budget Analysts $83,210
- Management Analysts $82,230
- Personal Financial Advisors $81,790
- Financial Examiners $81,360
- Loan Officers $80,070
- Logisticians $79,730
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $79,420
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $78,970
- Labor Relations Specialists $78,260
- Insurance Underwriters $77,660
- Credit Analysts $76,460
- Cost Estimators $76,290
- Financial Specialists, All Other $75,770
- Accountants and Auditors $74,290
- Compliance Officers $73,530
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $68,740
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $67,300
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $66,400
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $65,240
- Human Resources Specialists $64,920
- Training and Development Specialists $62,440
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $61,810
- Fundraisers $59,890
- Tax Preparers $57,440
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $52,890
- Credit Counselors $46,590
Life, physical and social science 29
- Physicists $120,810
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $98,580
- Materials Scientists $95,990
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $87,590
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $85,010
- Chemists $81,830
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $80,590
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $80,370
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,560
- Biological Scientists, All Other $79,170
- Survey Researchers $77,830
- Microbiologists $76,490
- Urban and Regional Planners $75,810
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $74,060
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $72,530
- Soil and Plant Scientists $72,440
- School Psychologists $70,300
- Conservation Scientists $64,010
- Forensic Science Technicians $63,650
- Food Scientists and Technologists $63,450
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $58,730
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $56,070
- Chemical Technicians $52,200
- Biological Technicians $51,300
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $48,280
- Food Science Technicians $47,610
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $44,040
- Agricultural Technicians $39,330
- Social Science Research Assistants $31,150
Transport and material moving 28
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $130,980
- Commercial Pilots $101,040
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $100,330
- Transportation Inspectors $94,990
- Locomotive Engineers $87,550
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $77,150
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $76,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $58,350
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $56,160
- Crane and Tower Operators $55,620
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $55,080
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $48,830
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $47,720
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,950
- Bus Drivers, School $45,380
- Light Truck Drivers $43,910
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $43,370
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $43,280
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $40,110
- Aircraft Service Attendants $39,430
- Driver/Sales Workers $39,110
- Stockers and Order Fillers $37,370
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,650
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $35,230
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $31,200
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $30,890
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $30,060
- Parking Attendants $29,300
Architecture and engineering 24
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $121,520
- Computer Hardware Engineers $111,080
- Electrical Engineers $107,270
- Engineers, All Other $100,200
- Industrial Engineers $99,960
- Mechanical Engineers $97,570
- Environmental Engineers $95,980
- Civil Engineers $94,500
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $90,910
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $86,990
- Landscape Architects $83,480
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $77,050
- Surveyors $76,720
- Materials Engineers $76,640
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $74,140
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $66,160
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $65,190
- Mechanical Drafters $65,160
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $63,960
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $63,640
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $60,330
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $56,810
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $53,210
- Drafters, All Other $49,400
Arts, design, entertainment and media 23
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $89,290
- Art Directors $80,560
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $69,210
- Technical Writers $63,680
- Public Relations Specialists $59,490
- Editors $58,570
- Interior Designers $57,790
- Music Directors and Composers $56,720
- Writers and Authors $54,990
- Audio and Video Technicians $50,720
- Producers and Directors $50,130
- Interpreters and Translators $50,110
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $48,110
- Graphic Designers $47,560
- Coaches and Scouts $40,870
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $38,290
- Broadcast Technicians $37,340
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,830
- Photographers $36,380
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $34,010
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $30,490
- Floral Designers $29,030
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Personal care and service 22
- Barbers $78,480
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $63,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $50,510
- Animal Trainers $45,180
- Skincare Specialists $44,400
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $41,080
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $38,530
- Funeral Attendants $38,260
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $37,850
- Residential Advisors $37,260
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $36,860
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,130
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $35,940
- Recreation Workers $30,460
- Animal Caretakers $29,560
- Tour and Travel Guides $29,130
- Childcare Workers $27,930
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $27,780
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,550
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $23,100
- Gambling Dealers $22,900
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $22,790
Sales 20
- Real Estate Brokers $116,920
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $102,740
- Sales Engineers $87,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $83,520
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $64,380
- Insurance Sales Agents $63,150
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $60,740
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $60,600
- Advertising Sales Agents $57,510
- Parts Salespersons $45,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $45,390
- Travel Agents $44,970
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $40,450
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $37,280
- Real Estate Sales Agents $36,420
- Counter and Rental Clerks $36,050
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $35,360
- Retail Salespersons $30,030
- Telemarketers $29,060
- Cashiers $28,780
Protective service 19
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $100,550
- Fish and Game Wardens $92,270
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $77,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $75,140
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $73,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $73,880
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- Firefighters $55,190
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $51,420
- Animal Control Workers $48,160
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $48,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $46,650
- Private Detectives and Investigators $45,070
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $41,420
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $39,380
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $39,180
- Security Guards $37,380
- School Bus Monitors $34,180
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $25,450
Computing and mathematics 18
- Database Architects $131,370
- Actuaries $129,870
- Information Security Analysts $112,950
- Software Developers $109,850
- Computer Network Architects $107,060
- Computer Occupations, All Other $103,690
- Data Scientists $97,980
- Database Administrators $97,690
- Computer Systems Analysts $91,670
- Statisticians $86,160
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $85,550
- Computer Programmers $84,730
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $82,210
- Operations Research Analysts $78,140
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $72,820
- Web Developers $67,110
- Computer Network Support Specialists $63,560
- Computer User Support Specialists $56,710
Community and social service 16
- Social Workers, All Other $88,000
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $78,640
- Health Education Specialists $67,940
- Healthcare Social Workers $63,230
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $60,880
- Clergy $59,270
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $58,610
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $55,910
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $50,710
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $50,340
- Community Health Workers $48,920
- Religious Workers, All Other $45,550
- Counselors, All Other $45,440
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $44,530
- Social and Human Service Assistants $40,300
- Rehabilitation Counselors $38,130
Healthcare support 16
- Massage Therapists $62,400
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $61,980
- Physical Therapist Assistants $60,720
- Dental Assistants $47,820
- Medical Assistants $43,670
- Medical Transcriptionists $43,230
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $42,750
- Medical Equipment Preparers $39,680
- Nursing Assistants $38,630
- Phlebotomists $38,040
- Physical Therapist Aides $36,440
- Orderlies $36,210
- Psychiatric Aides $35,720
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $35,250
- Pharmacy Aides $33,330
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $31,200
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $43,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,320
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,720
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $34,560
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $33,390
- Cooks, Short Order $31,520
- Cooks, All Other $31,240
- Food Preparation Workers $29,840
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $29,270
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,770
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,430
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,400
- Dishwashers $26,910
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $26,710
- Waiters and Waitresses $26,140
- Bartenders $22,500
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $51,870
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $45,240
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $41,330
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $38,480
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,450
- Pest Control Workers $36,510
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $36,130
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $31,090
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $60,140
- Agricultural Inspectors $53,910
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $48,690
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $41,570
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $34,740
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $33,950
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Iowa?
The median across all occupations is $47,670 a year, or $22.92 an hour, covering 1,561,660 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Iowa?
Nurse Anesthetists ($229,950), Chief Executives ($178,530), Dentists, General ($174,990) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Iowa employ the most people in?
Cashiers, with 43,160 employed at a median of $28,780. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Iowa electricity averages 14.14¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.