Skip to content
AffordMap
Office & Admin · Iowa

How to Become a Postal Service Mail Carriers in Iowa

Postal Service Mail Carriers in Iowa earn a median salary of $57,820/year, which is 1% above the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a postal service mail carriers takes home approximately $2,390/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$58K
Median salary in Iowa
+1%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
3,710
Employed in Iowa

What a postal service mail carriers can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$57,820
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$3,802/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home37.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$57,820/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,390/mo

Becoming a postal service mail carriers in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Postal Service Mail Carriers 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 postal service mail carriers 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 postal service mail carrierss. 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 3,710 postal service mail carriers. The highest concentrations are in Dubuque and Des Moines-West Des Moines.

Postal Service Mail Carriers salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Dubuque$63K$30.24/hr100
Des Moines-West Des Moines$63K$30.05/hr660
Iowa City$62K$29.85/hr150
Cedar Rapids$58K$28.07/hr320
Ames$58K$27.84/hr130
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$58K$27.75/hr210
Sioux City$57K$27.64/hr160
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$56K$27.08/hr450

Postal Service Mail Carriers salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$42K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$58K
75th percentile
$75K
90th percentile (senior)
$78K
View jobs for Postal Service Mail Carriers
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
More openings for Postal Service Mail Carriers
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
Prepare for the CPA exam
Online prep courses
View →
Full postal service mail carriers salary breakdown in Iowa
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Iowa
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Iowa cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Postal Service Mail Carriers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a postal service mail carriers make in Iowa?

The median postal service mail carriers salary in Iowa is $57,820 per year ($27.8/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $57,490. Salaries range from $42,390 to $77,940.

What are the requirements to become a postal service mail carriers in Iowa?

Postal Service Mail Carriers 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 postal service mail carriers afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $57,820, a postal service mail carriers in Iowa would take home approximately $3,802/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 37.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for postal service mail carriers in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for postal service mail carriers in Iowa are Dubuque ($62,900), Des Moines-West Des Moines ($62,500), Iowa City ($62,090). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for postal service mail carriers?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $57,820 salary, this means roughly $2,870/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.