How to Become a Machinists in Iowa
Machinists in Iowa earn a median salary of $53,400/year, which is 5% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,115/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Iowa
Becoming a machinists in Iowa
Meet education requirements
Machinists 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.
Gain required experience
Many machinists 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.
Obtain Iowa licensure or certification
Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Iowa
Iowa employs 3,010 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island and Dubuque.
Machinists salary by metro area in Iowa
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $61K | $29.1/hr | 580 |
| Dubuque | $59K | $28.29/hr | 120 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $57K | $27.16/hr | 200 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $56K | $26.96/hr | 240 |
| Cedar Rapids | $54K | $25.76/hr | 250 |
| Ames | $53K | $25.36/hr | 80 |
| Sioux City | $51K | $24.57/hr | 70 |
Machinists salary range in Iowa
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Iowa?▼
The median machinists salary in Iowa is $53,400 per year ($25.67/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $42,280 to $68,930.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Iowa?▼
Machinists 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 machinists afford to live in Iowa?▼
At the median salary of $53,400, a machinists in Iowa would take home approximately $3,527/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 40% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Iowa?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Iowa are Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($60,530), Dubuque ($58,840), Waterloo-Cedar Falls ($56,500). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Iowa have state income tax for machinists?▼
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $53,400 salary, this means roughly $2,619/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.