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Salaries in Iowa: pay for 718 occupations, May 2025

Across all occupations, employees in Iowa had a median pay of $48,540 a year ($23.34 an hour) in May 2025, with 1,559,240 jobs counted. That is 5% below the national median of $50,980.

Highest median pay in Iowa

Occupations with the most jobs

All occupations in Iowa, A to Z

OccupationMedian a yearMedian an hourJobs
Accountants and Auditors$77,440$37.2313,210
Actuaries$128,690$61.87530
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$49,220$23.67170
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers$123,500$59.3880
Administrative Services Managers$116,920$56.211,380
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$48,010$23.08370
Advertising Sales Agents$58,480$28.12900
Advertising and Promotions Managers$108,890$52.35210
Aerospace Engineersnot publishednot published40
Agricultural Engineers$96,290$46.29100
Agricultural Equipment Operators$47,220$22.701,530
Agricultural Inspectors$49,600$23.85560
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$101,080not published230
Agricultural Technicians$64,070$30.80not published
Agricultural Workers, All Other$40,130$19.29not published
Air Traffic Controllers$90,790$43.65120
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$55,030$26.46not published
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$69,890$33.60330
Aircraft Service Attendants$35,560$17.10160
Airfield Operations Specialists$48,870$23.5040
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$131,730not published100
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$36,090$17.35370
Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,430$13.195,050
Anesthesiologists$239,200 or more$115.00 or more450
Animal Caretakers$30,080$14.463,480
Animal Control Workers$54,190$26.0580
Animal Scientists$75,290$36.2060
Animal Trainers$43,020$20.68180
Anthropologists and Archeologists$67,270$32.3440
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$86,390not published40
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$96,810$46.54650
Architectural and Civil Drafters$64,220$30.87980
Architectural and Engineering Managers$147,320$70.831,520
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$79,100not published80
Archivists$59,010$28.3740
Art Directors$80,940$38.92280
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$77,740not published910
Artists and Related Workers, All Other$39,550$19.0170
Athletic Trainers$55,430not published570
Atmospheric and Space Scientists$76,850$36.95100
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$97,660not published50
Audio and Video Technicians$51,030$24.53290
Audiologists$97,180$46.72270
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$64,390$30.96not published
Automotive Body and Related Repairers$49,400$23.751,830
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$45,520$21.88110
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$50,510$24.287,610
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$30,810$14.81340
Baggage Porters and Bellhops$31,150$14.9830
Bailiffs$52,100$25.0560
Bakers$37,210$17.892,150
Barbers$58,900$28.32130
Bartenders$21,720$10.449,560
Bicycle Repairers$34,240$16.46230
Bill and Account Collectors$46,000$22.12830
Billing and Posting Clerks$47,110$22.653,660
Biochemists and Biophysicists$101,090$48.60140
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$81,710$39.2890
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$78,060not published540
Biological Scientists, All Other$82,720$39.77550
Biological Technicians$48,050$23.10800
Boilermakers$82,470$39.6550
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$48,180$23.1714,020
Brickmasons and Blockmasons$69,440$33.38290
Bridge and Lock Tenders$70,890$34.0850
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$37,090$17.83320
Broadcast Technicians$46,820$22.51180
Brokerage Clerks$56,360$27.10160
Budget Analysts$86,550$41.61390
Bus Drivers, School$46,320$22.274,840
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$45,890$22.061,560
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$59,680$28.694,140
Business Operations Specialists, All Other$80,470$38.699,900
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$83,200not published890
Butchers and Meat Cutters$37,750$18.154,480
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$70,360$33.834,570
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$47,110$22.651,010
Calibration Technologists and Technicians$61,490$29.56110
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$57,220$27.5190
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$97,700$46.9780
Cardiologists$283,070$136.09100
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$78,850$37.91380
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$63,360not publishednot published
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,270$29.941,170
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$57,660not published640
Cargo and Freight Agents$48,370$23.25660
Carpenters$57,710$27.755,770
Carpet Installers$55,920$26.89not published
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$84,570$40.6690
Cashiers$28,970$13.9341,450
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$58,220$27.992,110
Chefs and Head Cooks$47,990$23.071,640
Chemical Engineers$117,590$56.5440
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$57,550$27.672,010
Chemical Plant and System Operators$60,440$29.06490
Chemical Technicians$58,090$27.93440
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$82,050not published230
Chemists$86,100$41.39570
Chief Executives$211,190$101.543,050
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$52,250$25.123,410
Childcare Workers$28,420$13.666,020
Chiropractors$75,050$36.08970
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$72,540$34.881,130
Civil Engineers$96,430$46.362,500
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$72,640$34.923,930
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$35,920$17.274,190
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$46,970$22.58430
Clergy$60,630$29.15370
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$54,260$26.093,240
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$91,690$44.08440
Coaches and Scouts$49,350not published3,410
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,330$23.723,220
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$59,780$28.74260
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$45,740$21.99380
Commercial Pilots$101,800not published300
Commercial and Industrial Designers$70,420$33.85440
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$77,700not published320
Community Health Workers$47,780$22.97390
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$46,460$22.34250
Compensation and Benefits Managers$118,250$56.85120
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$67,160$32.291,070
Compliance Officers$75,620$36.363,660
Computer Hardware Engineers$125,120$60.15130
Computer Network Architects$103,050$49.541,170
Computer Network Support Specialists$64,600$31.061,920
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$52,300$25.154,750
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$57,780$27.78640
Computer Occupations, All Other$107,340$51.613,850
Computer Programmers$79,180$38.07950
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$89,510not published290
Computer Systems Analysts$95,920$46.114,760
Computer User Support Specialists$58,810$28.276,140
Computer and Information Systems Managers$143,780$69.133,920
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$47,330$22.76420
Concierges$40,080$19.2770
Conservation Scientists$69,240$33.29610
Construction Laborers$48,490$23.3113,780
Construction Managers$99,280$47.733,070
Construction and Building Inspectors$71,630$34.441,140
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$83,830$40.30820
Conveyor Operators and Tenders$56,900$27.36590
Cooks, All Other$26,060$12.53210
Cooks, Fast Food$28,510$13.718,290
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$35,810$17.228,860
Cooks, Restaurant$35,670$17.1512,270
Cooks, Short Order$34,090$16.391,160
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$62,520$30.06290
Correctional Officers and Jailers$53,040$25.503,440
Cost Estimators$76,040$36.561,870
Counselors, All Other$61,080$29.3690
Counter and Rental Clerks$38,960$18.731,900
Couriers and Messengers$38,460$18.49580
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$93,810$45.10160
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$48,280$23.212,390
Crane and Tower Operators$67,600$32.50650
Credit Analysts$76,760$36.90480
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$49,780$23.93240
Credit Counselors$48,130$23.14440
Crematory Operators$35,120$16.89not published
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$79,690not published80
Crossing Guards and Flaggers$41,240$19.83170
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$62,590$30.091,420
Curators$53,830$25.88230
Customer Service Representatives$46,090$22.1630,100
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand$48,580$23.35not published
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,600$23.84920
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,240$23.192,030
Data Entry Keyers$43,640$20.981,180
Data Scientists$95,830$46.072,300
Database Administrators$101,210$48.66360
Database Architects$124,040$59.64240
Demonstrators and Product Promoters$37,050$17.81280
Dental Assistants$48,430$23.283,210
Dental Hygienists$84,010$40.392,440
Dental Laboratory Technicians$47,520$22.85380
Dentists, General$181,520$87.271,240
Dermatologists$424,970$204.31not published
Designers, All Othernot publishednot published70
Detectives and Criminal Investigators$79,560$38.25410
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$86,480$41.58740
Dietetic Technicians$35,220$16.93350
Dietitians and Nutritionists$72,690$34.95630
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$28,210$13.563,250
Directors, Religious Activities and Education$66,140$31.80220
Disc Jockeys, Except Radionot publishednot published130
Dishwashers$29,300$14.093,290
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$47,000$22.601,460
Drafters, All Other$60,750$29.21230
Dredge Operators$57,990$27.8860
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,860$21.09110
Driver/Sales Workers$47,120$22.654,400
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$51,030$24.53290
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$54,000$25.96190
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$85,090not published80
Economists$96,310$46.3070
Editors$57,200$27.50900
Education Administrators, All Other$92,970$44.70330
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$104,260not published3,310
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$89,320$42.942,510
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,090not published690
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$47,480$22.831,020
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$40,620$19.531,050
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$56,540$27.183,690
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$47,180$22.68210
Electrical Engineers$105,820$50.871,280
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$100,200$48.171,390
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74,840$35.98880
Electrical and Electronics Drafters$74,470$35.81180
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$75,130$36.12100
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$72,250$34.741,130
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$86,490$41.58120
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$44,880$21.584,000
Electricians$60,860$29.2610,310
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$73,010$35.10180
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$55,160$26.52not published
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$81,330$39.10350
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$60,580not published17,300
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$115,300$55.4390
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$61,340$29.491,040
Embalmers$39,490$18.99not published
Emergency Management Directors$73,700$35.43130
Emergency Medical Technicians$40,660$19.551,510
Emergency Medicine Physicians$429,050$206.27290
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$46,040$22.1360
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$103,360not published430
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$63,120$30.35380
Engineers, All Other$103,090$49.561,100
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$79,720not published510
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Othernot published$10.0080
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other$33,370$16.0480
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$68,320$32.85620
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$58,690$28.2280
Environmental Engineers$94,830$45.59150
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,570not published40
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$52,020$25.01470
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$78,780$37.88690
Epidemiologists$79,880$38.4190
Etchers and Engravers$42,950$20.6570
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$59,390$28.55560
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$62,340$29.974,150
Exercise Physiologists$56,640$27.2350
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$36,160$17.392,510
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters$39,520$19.0090
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,240$22.71450
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$48,400$23.27100
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49,340$23.72500
Facilities Managers$99,010$47.602,340
Family Medicine Physicians$265,200$127.501,140
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$79,310not published40
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$59,860$28.782,210
Farm and Home Management Educators$48,200$23.17520
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$77,930$37.47180
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$37,590$18.07930
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals$36,480$17.541,240
Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,390$13.6540,290
Fence Erectors$52,510$25.25290
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$50,450$24.2540
File Clerks$46,560$22.38430
Financial Clerks, All Other$51,770$24.89130
Financial Examiners$80,370$38.641,020
Financial Managers$133,320$64.109,130
Financial Risk Specialists$105,680$50.81530
Financial Specialists, All Other$79,390$38.171,220
Financial and Investment Analysts$92,370$44.412,000
Fire Inspectors and Investigators$81,860$39.3530
Firefighters$55,810$26.832,170
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$78,510$37.759,660
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$74,420$35.78310
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$41,950$20.171,340
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers$59,150$28.44360
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$76,010$36.54600
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$38,760$18.6411,400
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers$52,820$25.39370
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$47,200$22.692,000
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$57,670$27.731,140
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$78,340$37.676,450
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$89,640$43.092,530
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64,400$30.9610,190
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$38,780$18.64770
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$98,840$47.521,370
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$74,750$35.9410,130
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$56,410$27.12140
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$46,610$22.419,970
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$46,560$22.39390
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$60,490$29.086,480
Fish and Game Wardens$98,260$47.24120
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$54,960$26.42160
Floor Sanders and Finishers$46,810$22.5130
Floral Designers$35,340$16.99430
Food Batchmakers$48,300$23.224,160
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$47,900$23.03850
Food Preparation Workers$30,360$14.604,170
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$33,480$16.10310
Food Processing Workers, All Other$41,740$20.075,210
Food Science Technicians$50,740$24.40420
Food Scientists and Technologists$82,010$39.43380
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$30,110$14.485,270
Food Service Managers$66,700$32.071,760
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$47,960$23.06660
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$79,880not published210
Forensic Science Technicians$67,060$32.24130
Forest and Conservation Technicians$52,000$25.00380
Forest and Conservation Workers$33,600$16.1640
Foresters$83,000$39.9150
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,010$22.60not published
Foundry Mold and Coremakers$49,060$23.59480
Fundraisers$63,930$30.741,230
Fundraising Managers$98,700$47.45370
Funeral Attendants$40,060$19.26460
Funeral Home Managers$81,220$39.05210
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$45,910$22.07100
Furniture Finishers$46,530$22.3770
Gambling Cage Workers$37,230$17.90210
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$38,230$18.38400
Gambling Dealers$23,020$11.07970
Gambling Managers$76,350$36.71100
Gambling Service Workers, All Other$52,260$25.1330
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$35,750$17.19230
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$37,440$18.00100
Gas Plant Operators$92,970$44.70480
General Internal Medicine Physicians$122,920$59.10380
General and Operations Managers$87,690$42.1630,760
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$74,460$35.8040
Glaziers$57,330$27.56430
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products$42,450$20.41170
Graphic Designers$50,310$24.192,100
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$47,280$22.73not published
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,380$22.30890
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$57,030$27.4240
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$35,700$17.172,930
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$49,870$23.98270
Health Education Specialists$75,750$36.42540
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$80,600$38.75270
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$128,490not published3,230
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$47,910$23.041,600
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$106,350$51.13230
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$89,480$43.02290
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$42,070$20.23410
Healthcare Social Workers$63,050$30.311,550
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$44,720$21.50470
Hearing Aid Specialists$59,550$28.63200
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,760$23.93120
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$60,680$29.173,840
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$58,070$27.9235,040
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$48,430$23.28230
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$59,220$28.4760
Helpers--Carpenters$39,830$19.15100
Helpers--Electricians$41,610$20.01310
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$38,690$18.60990
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$37,870$18.21350
Helpers--Production Workers$45,560$21.912,070
Helpers--Roofers$42,650$20.50not published
Highway Maintenance Workers$58,490$28.124,000
History Teachers, Postsecondary$77,040not published150
Home Appliance Repairers$44,090$21.20210
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$36,080$17.3425,800
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$28,210$13.562,630
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$30,590$14.712,790
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$48,490$23.31920
Human Resources Managers$126,370$60.761,620
Human Resources Specialists$66,710$32.077,930
Hydrologists$81,150$39.0250
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$64,410$30.97710
Industrial Engineers$97,690$46.963,600
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$64,400$30.966,050
Industrial Production Managers$106,510$51.213,620
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$47,590$22.887,770
Information Security Analysts$119,710$57.551,160
Information and Record Clerks, All Other$49,440$23.77540
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$50,740$24.407,230
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$48,680$23.402,050
Instructional Coordinators$74,970$36.042,760
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$55,820$26.84460
Insulation Workers, Mechanical$54,440$26.17140
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$79,090$38.02not published
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$46,430$22.322,820
Insurance Sales Agents$60,140$28.926,840
Insurance Underwriters$75,160$36.141,490
Interior Designers$58,040$27.90510
Interpreters and Translators$48,150$23.15560
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$39,520$19.001,800
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$35,380$17.0123,960
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$50,280$24.17160
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates$147,510$70.92410
Judicial Law Clerks$64,260$30.9090
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$58,420not published1,160
Labor Relations Specialists$79,140$38.05610
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$43,490$20.9130,890
Landscape Architects$87,270$41.9680
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$38,920$18.718,800
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50,370$24.21180
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$34,050$16.371,900
Law Teachers, Postsecondary$160,700not published90
Lawyers$123,550$59.403,550
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$46,590$22.401,120
Legal Support Workers, All Other$44,470$21.38760
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$58,440$28.091,770
Library Assistants, Clerical$29,480$14.171,700
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,950not published40
Library Technicians$38,590$18.551,510
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$62,630$30.115,510
Life Scientists, All Other$64,270$30.90110
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$50,480$24.27420
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$25,460$12.241,410
Light Truck Drivers$42,750$20.569,680
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining$48,490$23.31100
Loan Interviewers and Clerks$50,080$24.082,380
Loan Officers$83,670$40.232,840
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$23,720$11.40280
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$46,360$22.29120
Locomotive Engineers$89,970$43.251,000
Lodging Managers$59,680$28.69410
Logisticians$78,740$37.862,480
Machine Feeders and Offbearers$45,250$21.75560
Machinists$57,540$27.662,880
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$81,420$39.14220
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$32,620$15.688,160
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$35,610$17.12830
Maintenance Workers, Machinery$64,760$31.14900
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$52,160$25.0816,500
Management Analysts$85,530$41.124,150
Managers, All Other$128,080$61.583,600
Manicurists and Pedicurists$45,420$21.84190
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$66,390$31.928,880
Marketing Managers$131,120$63.042,210
Marriage and Family Therapists$67,180$32.30240
Massage Therapists$57,710$27.75540
Material Moving Workers, All Other$50,960$24.5040
Materials Engineers$64,270$30.90200
Materials Scientists$88,320$42.46180
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other$49,020$23.5730
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80,300not published450
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$43,190$20.763,970
Mechanical Door Repairers$59,640$28.67330
Mechanical Drafters$63,330$30.45630
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$71,670$34.46500
Mechanical Engineers$97,700$46.973,470
Media and Communication Workers, All Other$50,080$24.0880
Medical Appliance Technicians$51,790$24.9080
Medical Assistants$45,480$21.875,990
Medical Equipment Preparers$39,930$19.20590
Medical Equipment Repairers$59,300$28.51650
Medical Records Specialists$50,640$24.352,250
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$83,850$40.311,060
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$40,980$19.7010,560
Medical Transcriptionists$45,010$21.64180
Medical and Health Services Managers$101,940$49.016,200
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$51,750$24.881,120
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$48,530$23.331,200
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$39,680$19.081,860
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$46,570$22.3940
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$57,030$27.42330
Meter Readers, Utilities$60,940$29.30120
Microbiologists$79,830$38.38180
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$60,450not published6,270
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51,600$24.81140
Millwrights$62,220$29.91690
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$48,920$23.5219,540
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$46,990$22.59220
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51,570$24.792,310
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$64,290$30.912,820
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$61,550$29.5940
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$46,220$22.22340
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,220$21.743,670
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$63,700$30.63640
Motion Picture Projectionists$23,210$11.16100
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$48,300$23.2250
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$49,930$24.01110
Motorcycle Mechanics$44,840$21.56300
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,910$23.514,460
Museum Technicians and Conservators$51,740$24.87100
Music Directors and Composers$61,740$29.68120
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$38,700$18.6190
Musicians and Singersnot published$35.65250
Natural Sciences Managers$109,760$52.77610
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$84,500$40.623,110
New Accounts Clerks$45,630$21.941,320
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$43,540$20.93590
Nuclear Medicine Technologists$92,890$44.66150
Nurse Anesthetists$273,070$131.29380
Nurse Midwives$131,360$63.1680
Nurse Practitioners$130,160$62.583,240
Nursing Assistants$39,350$18.9222,670
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$77,360not published770
Obstetricians and Gynecologists$356,020$171.16180
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$87,830$42.231,310
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$58,300$28.03290
Occupational Therapists$89,910$43.221,290
Occupational Therapy Assistants$64,140$30.84400
Office Clerks, General$44,310$21.3023,120
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$41,330$19.87250
Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$51,700$24.863,020
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$60,330$29.015,530
Operations Research Analysts$80,580$38.74300
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$33,910$16.30100
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$44,030$21.17500
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$394,900$189.8690
Opticians, Dispensing$44,480$21.39920
Optometrists$125,380$60.28450
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons$239,200 or more$115.00 or morenot published
Order Clerks$44,980$21.63680
Orderlies$36,850$17.72260
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$189,410$91.06260
Orthotists and Prosthetists$87,300$41.9790
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$45,830$22.03430
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$45,660$21.956,990
Packers and Packagers, Hand$37,470$18.024,090
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$49,710$23.901,770
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$46,670$22.44100
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,110$22.171,010
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$54,550$26.232,980
Paramedics$60,590$29.131,170
Parking Attendants$30,070$14.461,050
Parking Enforcement Workers$43,370$20.8550
Parts Salespersons$46,670$22.443,810
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic$63,420$30.4990
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$61,110$29.38not published
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$54,080$26.001,230
Pediatricians, General$262,440$126.17230
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$31,200$15.00310
Personal Financial Advisors$92,310$44.381,920
Personal Service Managers, All Other$69,720$33.52230
Pest Control Workers$45,290$21.78540
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$46,740$22.47600
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$90,160$43.3470
Pharmacists$138,860$66.763,230
Pharmacy Aides$33,270$16.001,070
Pharmacy Technicians$44,860$21.574,630
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$77,180not published260
Phlebotomists$38,240$18.381,100
Photographers$38,290$18.41430
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$43,310$20.8290
Physical Scientists, All Other$80,810$38.85100
Physical Therapist Aides$29,120$14.00390
Physical Therapist Assistants$61,030$29.341,060
Physical Therapists$97,560$46.902,530
Physician Assistants$134,770$64.791,200
Physicians, All Other$295,190$141.921,440
Physicians, Pathologists$323,460$155.5180
Physicists$178,110$85.63110
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$104,270not published120
Pipelayers$53,990$25.96280
Plant and System Operators, All Other$75,800$36.4450
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$70,910$34.09440
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$63,890$30.725,730
Podiatrists$134,830$64.82100
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$74,470$35.815,130
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80,160not published100
Postal Service Clerks$59,970$28.831,190
Postal Service Mail Carriers$59,880$28.793,730
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$60,530$29.101,040
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$93,160$44.79260
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$71,680not published1,480
Pourers and Casters, Metal$49,010$23.5680
Power Distributors and Dispatchers$102,980$49.51not published
Power Plant Operators$100,500$48.32470
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$45,960$22.10200
Prepress Technicians and Workers$47,770$22.97210
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$33,830$16.265,910
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$32,990$15.86100
Print Binding and Finishing Workers$38,790$18.65330
Printing Press Operators$40,790$19.612,070
Private Detectives and Investigators$41,110$19.77170
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$77,390$37.21950
Procurement Clerks$48,870$23.50680
Producers and Directors$58,550$28.15720
Production Workers, All Other$44,450$21.373,480
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$60,320$29.003,540
Project Management Specialists$96,540$46.416,720
Proofreaders and Copy Markers$44,680$21.48110
Property Appraisers and Assessors$80,160$38.54630
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$57,980$27.882,290
Protective Service Workers, All Other$38,160$18.35not published
Psychiatric Aides$39,260$18.88400
Psychiatric Technicians$42,910$20.63690
Psychiatrists$295,270$141.96170
Psychologists, All Other$138,420$66.5560
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$78,450not published320
Public Relations Managers$120,730$58.04630
Public Relations Specialists$62,970$30.272,890
Public Safety Telecommunicators$56,770$27.30980
Purchasing Managers$121,580$58.45610
Radiation Therapists$81,610$39.24120
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$50,760$24.4050
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$65,930$31.702,550
Radiologists$405,220$194.82130
Rail Car Repairers$60,550$29.11340
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$45,640$21.94200
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$80,910$38.90220
Real Estate Brokers$50,140$24.11not published
Real Estate Sales Agentsnot publishednot published680
Receptionists and Information Clerks$37,330$17.954,660
Recreation Workers$33,700$16.202,870
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$75,130not published100
Recreational Therapists$56,140$26.99230
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians$48,030$23.09420
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$49,850$23.971,780
Registered Nurses$78,630$37.8034,420
Rehabilitation Counselors$39,630$19.052,170
Religious Workers, All Other$44,110$21.21230
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$36,880$17.73200
Residential Advisors$36,850$17.72780
Respiratory Therapists$74,760$35.94910
Retail Salespersons$31,360$15.0841,000
Riggers$62,400$30.00200
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$72,670$34.94660
Roofers$48,660$23.39930
Sailors and Marine Oilers$48,100$23.1370
Sales Engineers$83,450$40.12310
Sales Managers$134,010$64.433,260
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$62,420$30.016,530
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$66,760$32.0916,990
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$103,380$49.702,580
Sales and Related Workers, All Other$35,250$16.95950
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$48,090$23.12240
School Bus Monitors$32,740$15.74520
School Psychologists$74,410$35.77400
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$61,200not published12,310
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$45,150$21.7112,830
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$64,290$30.912,300
Security Guards$37,080$17.836,890
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$63,750$30.65480
Self-Enrichment Teachers$35,670$17.152,910
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52,220$25.111,090
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$57,980$27.87630
Set and Exhibit Designers$50,640$24.3560
Sewers, Hand$42,290$20.3340
Sewing Machine Operators$35,870$17.25590
Sheet Metal Workers$66,460$31.951,650
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$47,590$22.887,170
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$32,580$15.661,880
Skincare Specialists$37,080$17.83710
Slaughterers and Meat Packers$43,820$21.074,220
Social Science Research Assistants$40,940$19.68140
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$83,920not published150
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$91,560$44.02150
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$64,190not published140
Social Workers, All Other$91,170$43.83230
Social and Community Service Managers$65,940$31.702,790
Social and Human Service Assistants$42,480$20.425,230
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$81,910not published140
Software Developers$114,890$55.249,040
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$88,590$42.591,000
Soil and Plant Scientists$96,310$46.30960
Solar Photovoltaic Installers$56,740$27.28180
Sound Engineering Technicians$57,400$27.6060
Special Education Teachers, All Other$71,050not published340
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$60,440not published2,560
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$63,590not published990
Special Education Teachers, Preschool$63,540not publishednot published
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$60,780not published1,570
Special Effects Artists and Animators$47,530$22.85not published
Speech-Language Pathologists$81,050$38.971,540
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$67,450$32.43190
Statistical Assistantsnot publishednot published80
Statisticians$80,150$38.54250
Stockers and Order Fillers$36,640$17.6226,770
Structural Iron and Steel Workers$77,400$37.21not published
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$51,360$24.69650
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$60,880$29.273,530
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$37,230$17.907,300
Surgeons, All Other$370,390$178.07110
Surgical Assistants$66,030$31.7530
Surgical Technologists$60,540$29.11950
Survey Researchers$83,170$39.9990
Surveying and Mapping Technicians$58,950$28.34390
Surveyors$77,090$37.06450
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$38,400$18.46210
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$31,680$15.23130
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$51,450$24.74180
Tapers$66,980$32.20100
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$66,860$32.14210
Tax Preparers$53,660$25.80780
Teachers and Instructors, All Other$54,080not published280
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$30,510not published24,520
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$38,960not published560
Technical Writers$66,520$31.98640
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$65,710$31.591,780
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$60,890$29.27820
Telemarketers$33,640$16.171,100
Tellers$38,450$18.495,470
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$30,060$14.4570
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$33,730$16.2170
Tile and Stone Setters$54,350$26.13240
Tire Builders$50,600$24.33510
Tire Repairers and Changers$38,210$18.37990
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$46,330$22.27400
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$51,760$24.8860
Tool and Die Makers$65,000$31.25760
Tour and Travel Guides$22,490$10.81330
Traffic Technicians$68,100$32.7430
Training and Development Managers$108,330$52.08290
Training and Development Specialists$66,110$31.794,670
Transportation Inspectors$116,850$56.1860
Transportation Security Screeners$61,590$29.61220
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$99,010$47.601,850
Travel Agents$45,440$21.85290
Tree Trimmers and Pruners$42,890$20.62380
Tutors$36,790$17.69610
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$43,040not published190
Upholsterers$42,610$20.4980
Urban and Regional Planners$79,100$38.03300
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,720$12.37750
Veterinarians$124,610$59.911,000
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$35,720$17.181,380
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$45,560$21.901,220
Waiters and Waitresses$21,000$10.1022,410
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$60,990$29.322,370
Web Developers$64,210$30.87420
Web and Digital Interface Designers$69,060$33.20670
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$47,180$22.68410
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$55,090$26.499,270
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51,740$24.881,310
Wind Turbine Service Technicians$74,880$36.00900
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$51,200$24.621,100
Word Processors and Typists$43,210$20.78360
Writers and Authors$61,010$29.33290
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$83,000$39.9190

"Not published" means BLS did not release that figure for this state. "$239,200 or more" and "$115.00 or more" are the highest values BLS reports in state tables.

How pay is spread in Iowa

By median pay, Iowa is number 32 of the 54 states and territories in the figures. The lowest-paid tenth of employees earned less than $28,930 a year and the highest-paid tenth more than $99,630. The middle half, between the 25% and 75% lines, earned from $36,570 to $70,290. For the whole country those outer lines were $31,200 and $128,560. The average (mean) pay was $59,830, 23% above the median, because high earners lift an average more than a median. The 1,559,240 jobs counted here are 1.0% of all jobs in the national figures.

The kinds of work

Adding up the occupations with a published job count, the largest fields of work in Iowa are Office and Administrative Support (169,290 jobs, 11%), Transportation and Material Moving (145,490 jobs, 9%), Production (141,560 jobs, 9%) and Sales and Related (140,810 jobs, 9%). Some occupations are far more common here than elsewhere. Set against their share of all jobs in the country, the most concentrated are Wind Turbine Service Technicians (9.0 times the national share), Food Processing Workers, All Other (8.0 times the national share) and Farm and Home Management Educators (6.3 times the national share). The table on this page lists 718 occupations; for 7 of them the Bureau released a job count but no pay figure.

Same job, different pay

Among the 263 occupations with at least 1,000 jobs and a yearly median in the state, 49 pay more than the same occupation does nationally, 170 pay less and 44 are within 2%. The widest gaps above the national median are for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ($62,590 here, $48,540 nationally), Driver/Sales Workers ($47,120 here, $38,770 nationally) and Parts Salespersons ($46,670 here, $38,630 nationally). The widest gaps below it are for Waiters and Waitresses ($21,000 here, $35,230 nationally), Bartenders ($21,720 here, $34,340 nationally) and Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers ($25,460 here, $33,580 nationally). A gap in pay is not a gap in living standard: prices, housing costs and taxes differ between states, and these statistics do not adjust for them.

Questions about pay in Iowa

What is the median salary in Iowa?

The median pay of all employees in Iowa was $48,540 a year ($23.34 an hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median was $50,980.

What is the most common job in Iowa?

Cashiers, with 41,450 jobs and a median pay of $28,970 a year.

What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?

The three highest medians published as a figure are Emergency Medicine Physicians ($429,050), Dermatologists ($424,970) and Radiologists ($405,220). Occupations shown as "$239,200 or more" are paid above the highest value the Bureau reports.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Checked in November 2026. Figures are for employees, before tax, and leave out overtime pay and benefits. They are official statistics, not advice or a pay offer; see bls.gov/oes for the original tables.

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