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Healthcare Support · Iowa

How to Become a Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Iowa

Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Iowa earn a median salary of $35,250/year, which is 1% above the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a home health and personal care aides takes home approximately $986/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$35K
Median salary in Iowa
+1%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
23,830
Employed in Iowa

What a home health and personal care aides can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$35,250
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$2,398/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home58.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,250/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$986/mo

Becoming a home health and personal care aides in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Home Health and Personal Care Aides positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many home health and personal care aides 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 home health and personal care aidess. 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 23,830 home health and personal care aides. The highest concentrations are in Dubuque and Ames.

Home Health and Personal Care Aides salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Dubuque$41K$19.82/hr960
Ames$39K$18.86/hr820
Sioux City$36K$17.47/hr1,110
Des Moines-West Des Moines$35K$17.06/hr5,620
Cedar Rapids$35K$17.04/hr2,160
Iowa City$35K$16.77/hr1,630
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$35K$16.65/hr1,250
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$33K$16.1/hr2,180

Home Health and Personal Care Aides salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$30K
25th percentile
$32K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$39K
90th percentile (senior)
$44K
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Full home health and personal care aides salary breakdown in Iowa
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a home health and personal care aides make in Iowa?

The median home health and personal care aides salary in Iowa is $35,250 per year ($16.95/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $34,900. Salaries range from $29,530 to $44,460.

What are the requirements to become a home health and personal care aides in Iowa?

Home Health and Personal Care Aides positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a home health and personal care aides afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $35,250, a home health and personal care aides in Iowa would take home approximately $2,398/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 58.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for home health and personal care aides in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for home health and personal care aides in Iowa are Dubuque ($41,220), Ames ($39,220), Sioux City ($36,340). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for home health and personal care aides?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $35,250 salary, this means roughly $1,584/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.