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Business & Finance · Iowa

How to Become a Accountants and Auditors in Iowa

Accountants and Auditors in Iowa earn a median salary of $74,290/year, which is 9% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~5.1%. After taxes and rent, a accountants and auditors takes home approximately $3,325/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$74K
Median salary in Iowa
-9%
vs. national average
5.1%
State income tax
13,970
Employed in Iowa

What a accountants and auditors can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$74,290
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.1% state tax)$4,737/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home29.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$74,290/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,325/mo

Becoming a accountants and auditors in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Accountants and Auditors positions in Iowa typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many accountants and auditors positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for accountants and auditorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 13,970 accountants and auditors. The highest concentrations are in Des Moines-West Des Moines and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island.

Accountants and Auditors salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Des Moines-West Des Moines$78K$37.32/hr5,220
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$77K$37.16/hr1,630
Sioux City$76K$36.68/hr550
Ames$76K$36.66/hr560
Cedar Rapids$75K$35.95/hr1,130
Iowa City$72K$34.84/hr710
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$71K$34.23/hr550
Dubuque$67K$32.02/hr500

Accountants and Auditors salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$48K
25th percentile
$61K
Median (50th)
$74K
75th percentile
$93K
90th percentile (senior)
$122K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a accountants and auditors make in Iowa?

The median accountants and auditors salary in Iowa is $74,290 per year ($35.72/hr). This is 9% below the national median of $81,680. Salaries range from $48,300 to $121,940.

What are the requirements to become a accountants and auditors in Iowa?

Accountants and Auditors positions in Iowa typically require Bachelor's degree. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a accountants and auditors afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $74,290, a accountants and auditors in Iowa would take home approximately $4,737/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 29.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for accountants and auditors in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for accountants and auditors in Iowa are Des Moines-West Des Moines ($77,630), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($77,280), Sioux City ($76,280). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for accountants and auditors?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.1%. On a $74,290 salary, this means roughly $3,809/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.