Average salary in Iowa

Iowa, known as the "Hawkeye State," offers a lower cost of living compared to states like California, which can make it an attractive place to live and work. While salaries in Iowa may not match those of other states, it’s worth noting that they can vary depending on factors such as location and occupation.

Let’s establish what the financial landscape looks like for those who live in Iowa or are considering a move. In particular, which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?

Average salary in Iowa by city

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. Despite a relatively low number of highly populated cities, there are still variations in Iowa’s own cities; Iowa City has an average household income of more than $70,000, while Sioux City’s average is $20,000 below that.

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the largest cities in Iowa, which you can find ranked below.

Average salary in Iowa by county

Reviewing average salaries in Iowa by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Iowa by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.

Highest paying jobs in Iowa

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Iowa: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

Zippia Learn has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Iowa

What is the average salary in Iowa by age
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Iowa are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.

The Census Bureau data finds that the median household income in Iowa for householders under 25 years old is $45,518; householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $71,578; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $78,246; and those 65 and older have a median income of $51,582.

What is a ‘good’ salary in Iowa?
The median household income in Iowa is $64,499. However, defining a 'good' salary in Iowa can vary depending on factors such as cost of living, location, and personal financial goals. For example, earning $90,000 a year may be considered a good salary for some Iowans, while for others, a salary of $50,000 may be sufficient.

What is the average salary in Iowa by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Iowa is $24.38.

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